Ruben Amorim is ecstatic about the opportunity to reunite with his former Sporting Lisbon standout, Manuel Ugarte, as both prepare for a new chapter together at Manchester United. Reflecting on his time coaching the Uruguayan midfielder at Sporting, Amorim expressed his excitement about working alongside Ugarte again, a player he believes will be integral to the fresh tactical vision he plans to bring to Old Trafford. After losing Ugarte to Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a significant £51 million transfer, Amorim is delighted to have him back in his squad—this time, in the high-stakes environment of English football.
Amorim’s journey to Manchester United is almost underway, with a scheduled transition from Lisbon early next week. In his final days as Sporting’s head coach, he’s maintained a respectful silence about his future at United, aware of the impact of his departure on Sporting’s fans and their current title defense. Sporting’s upcoming Primeira Liga clash with Braga on Sunday will mark Amorim’s last match with the club he has helped turn into a formidable force in Portuguese football. That same day, Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to conclude his interim role with Manchester United as they face Leicester City, clearing the way for Amorim to officially take over.
As he bids farewell to Sporting, Amorim has spoken openly about his excitement to reunite with Ugarte at Manchester United. Ugarte, who left Sporting with 85 appearances and a growing reputation, joined Manchester United for £42 million and is gradually adapting to the intensity of the English Premier League. His prior experience with Amorim’s tactical style and his familiarity with the demands of a dynamic, high-press system make him an ideal asset for the new era at United. Amorim acknowledges Ugarte’s growth and potential, confident that the midfielder will play a pivotal role in his plans for the club.
Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports Mexico, Amorim praised Ugarte’s adaptability and determination, qualities that set him apart from other players he has coached. “All the Uruguayans I’ve managed have been remarkable,” Amorim shared. “Ugarte is an immensely talented player with vast potential, and I’m thrilled to have him back with me at Manchester United!” Amorim envisions Ugarte as a cornerstone in his Manchester United squad, where the player’s understanding of his system could ease the transition and help United reach new heights in terms of offensive firepower.
A tactical innovator, Amorim is set to introduce his signature 3-4-3 formation, which turned Sporting into one of Europe’s most prolific attacking sides, to Manchester United. The shift will be challenging, but Amorim is confident that players like Ugarte, with whom he has a strong professional bond, will be instrumental in implementing this style. Since his arrival at United, Ugarte has steadily increased his playing time under Erik ten Hag, and Amorim’s arrival could further accelerate his development. Ugarte’s on-field chemistry with promising young talents like Kobbie Mainoo offers Manchester United fans the promise of a dynamic and resilient midfield partnership that could define the team’s future under Amorim’s gu
idance.