Ruben Amorim, the highly-rated manager of Portuguese champions Sporting CP, has opened up about his significant personal and professional evolution over the past year, candidly addressing the ongoing speculation linking him with the managerial post at English giants Manchester United.
A Year of Profound Growth and Reflection
In a revealing interview, the 39-year-old tactician made a striking self-assessment. Amorim stated he is now a "different and better manager" compared to his self from just twelve months ago. This period of intense growth followed Sporting's heartbreak in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Atalanta in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 3-3 aggregate draw.
Amorim attributed this transformation to deep introspection. "I think I'm a different manager, a better manager," he affirmed. The painful European exit served as a catalyst, forcing him to re-evaluate his methods, communication style, and overall approach. He emphasized the lessons learned from that disappointment, which have fundamentally reshaped his managerial philosophy and day-to-day interactions with his squad.
Addressing the Manchester United Rumours
With current Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag under considerable pressure, Amorim's name has consistently featured among the potential successors. When directly questioned about the rumours connecting him to the iconic Old Trafford club, Amorim adopted a pragmatic yet ambitious stance.
He did not dismiss the links outright but framed them within the context of his career trajectory and current commitments. Amorim made it clear that while he is focused on Sporting, he is also driven by a desire to test himself at the highest levels of the game. "I'm not going to lie, it's a dream," he said regarding the prospect of managing in the Premier League, widely considered the most competitive domestic league globally.
However, he tempered this by expressing his happiness and sense of project at Sporting Lisbon, where he recently secured the Portuguese Liga title. His comments suggest a manager who is meticulously planning his next career move, waiting for the right opportunity that aligns with his sporting vision, rather than jumping at the first offer from a major club.
Future Ambitions and the Premier League Dream
Amorim's admiration for the English top flight is no secret. He elaborated on the allure of the Premier League, citing its intensity, the quality of competition, and the unique football culture. Managing a club of Manchester United's stature, with its massive history and global fanbase, represents a pinnacle challenge for any coach.
His approach indicates a strategic mindset. By publicly acknowledging his growth and his ambitions, Amorim is positioning himself as a mature, evolving candidate for elite jobs. He has learned from past setbacks and is now more equipped, in his own view, to handle the immense pressures of a club like Manchester United. The interview serves as both a testament to his development at Sporting and a subtle pitch to his suitors, showcasing a manager who is self-aware, resilient, and ready for a bigger stage.
For now, his immediate focus remains on continuing Sporting's domestic dominance and making a deeper impact in European competitions. But the football world is now on clear notice: Ruben Amorim feels he has levelled up, and the Premier League remains a definitive goal in his managerial journey.
