“All coaches need that…” – Ruben Amorim reveals unique motivation behind Manchester United move

Ruben Amorim has revealed the unique motivation behind his decision to leave Sporting Lisbon to become Manchester United’s new head coach.

Manchester United have announced Ruben Amorim as their new head coach following Erik ten Hag’s departure from Old Trafford.

Ten Hag, whose contract was extended by a year over the summer, oversaw a poor run of form this season, leaving United in 14th place in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League.

This led to his departure on Monday morning, with the club moving quickly to appoint Amorim as his successor.

Amorim will take control of his first match after the November international break against Ipswich Town. Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in interim charge until then.

Amorim has had great success in his short management career. He won Braga their first piece of silverware in four years before leading Sporting to their first league title in 19 years.

He clearly has great respect for the Portuguese club and Lisbon in particular. He has spent most of his life in the City, with his entire playing career–barring two loan spells–being at Belenenses and Benfica.

His motivation to leave is not just about proving himself in the Premier League–which he says he loves ‘everything’ about–but to test himself outside of his comfort zone.

Most coaches have the opportunity to visit, play or even manage in England before taking one of the biggest jobs in the Premier League. Amorim, the 39-year-old coach, is unique in that regard but recognises the importance of leaving the comfort of Lisbon.

“I think all coaches need that [to leave your comfort zone],” he told reporters this week, whilst being bombarded with questions about United.

“I think that in everyone’s life, and in yours [journalists] too, there are times when we are doing very well in life but we are missing something or we want something or to prove something and we have to take a step forward in things that destabilise us.

“We don’t know if it will work or not, if we are or are not ruining what is good about us, but I think everyone feels that. You and coaches go through the same thing in your life.”

Amorim will undoubtably face the toughest challenges of his career so far at Old Trafford, but he will have a better platform than any of the other post-Sir Alex Ferguson managers with INEOS’ new-look structure in place.

Everyone supporting United will be desperate to see him succeed. Everyone else will be craving for another failure. That’s the way it is.

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