Ruben Amorim reveals ultimatum issued by Man Utd

Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says he was told it was "now or never" after initially asking to succeed Erik ten Hag at the end of the season.

Amorim was appointed as United's new boss on Friday, penning a contract that runs until the summer of 2027. The 39-year-old will officially take charge on 11 November, prior to the last international break of the year.

United moved quickly after deciding to sack Ten Hag in the aftermath of Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United – a result that leaves United 14th in the Premier League table with just three wins from their opening nine games – and will pay just €10m compensation to Amorim's current employers, Sporting CP.

Speaking to the media after Sporting maintained their perfect start to the 2024/25 Primeira Liga season with a 5-1 win over Estrela, Amorim revealed that he initially wanted to hold on before taking over at United but was told that wasn't an option by the Red Devils.

"The season started, we started very well, and then Manchester United came, they pay above the compensation clause and the president defends the club's interests," Amorim said. "I never discussed anything with the president. For three days I said I wanted to stay until the end of the season, but then I was told it was not possible.

Tune in to The Promised Land as Scott Saunders reacts to Man Utd appointing Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.

"It was now or never, or Manchester would go for another option. So, I had three days to make my mind up, to make a decision that changes radically my life."

Amorim was strongly linked with both Liverpool and West Ham United in the summer, having established a reputation as one of Europe's brighest young coaches, but said that United was the club he wanted to take the next step with.

"I've had other opportunities - the president and [director of football] Hugo Viana can confirm this. It's not the first or the second time that I have been requested by another team and I don't want another team.

"After Sporting I wanted that one, Manchester, and I want that context because that context allows me to do things my way and the club believes me that way. There's a time when I have to take a step forward in my career. That's what happened. It was harder for me than to any Sporting fan, believe me, but I had to do this."

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