Ruben Amorim’s Candid Confession: The Lifelong Regret His Wife Never Lets Him Forget
Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United, is on the brink of a defining moment in his career as he prepares for his managerial debut against Ipswich Town this Sunday. At just 39 years old, Amorim’s journey from a promising young footballer in Portugal to the managerial hot seat at Old Trafford is nothing short of meteoric. However, amidst his professional triumphs, Amorim carries a personal regret that continues to linger—a decision from his youth that his wife, Maria João Diogo, playfully reminds him of at every opportunity.
A Regret Rooted in Ambition
Amorim’s rise in football management has been dazzling. Beginning his career at third-tier Portuguese club Casa Pia in 2018, his tactical acumen quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs. His success at Braga led Sporting Lisbon to activate his €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause, making him one of the most sought-after young managers in Europe. But behind this glittering trajectory lies a personal regret that is entirely unrelated to his footballing achievements: Amorim never completed his school exams.
In a candid interview with Portuguese newspaper Expresso, Amorim revealed the roots of his regret. “I had an agreement with my mother,” he shared. “I would stay in school until I signed a professional contract. I signed when I was 17, and I left. Today, I regret it a lot. If I’d taken my exams, I could have finished my 12th year and maybe even gone to a top university.”
“She Throws It in My Face Every Day”
This regret is one his wife, Maria João Diogo, rarely lets him forget. A highly accomplished electrotechnical engineer with a degree in telecommunications, Maria now co-manages an interior design business, Dois Ton, alongside Raquel Viana, the wife of Manchester City’s director of football Hugo Viana. With a touch of humor, Amorim admitted, “My wife reminds me of it constantly. She throws it in my face every day.”
The couple’s relationship is built on a mix of playful banter and mutual respect. They tied the knot at the breathtaking Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra, and while Maria’s academic and professional achievements stand in contrast to Ruben’s unorthodox path, their shared journey is a testament to resilience and partnership.
A Manager with Humility and Charisma
Amorim’s reflections on his past reveal a humility that sets him apart in the high-pressure world of football management. Observers have noted that his ability to connect on a personal level, combined with his tactical innovation, could provide Manchester United with the fresh start it so desperately needs.
Journalist Charlotte Harpur of The Athletic, who interviewed Amorim’s close friends and family, highlighted his unique qualities: “It’s his charisma, his smile. When you interact with him, it feels refreshing—especially when compared to Erik ten Hag’s more stoic approach. Those around him believe he can bring a new perspective and inject fresh energy into Manchester United.”
A Tale of Redemption and Hope
Amorim’s regret over leaving school may seem minor in the grand scheme of his career, but it adds a relatable dimension to his story. It’s a reminder that even the most successful individuals have moments they wish they could revisit. For Manchester United fans, this honesty is a promising sign of a manager who is both grounded and ambitious—qualities that could be pivotal in rejuvenating the club’s fortunes.
As Ruben Amorim steps onto the touchline for his first game as Manchester United manager, his story stands as a compelling blend of triumphs, missteps, and aspirations. The teenage footballer who once left school to chase his dreams has grown into one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents. Now, he must channel his charisma, tactical expertise, and personal reflections into leading Manchester United toward a new era of success.
This is not just a story of a man managing a football club; it is the journey of someone who acknowledges his imperfections while striving to achieve greatness. Ruben Amorim’s blend of humility, ambition, and charisma could very well be the catalyst for Manchester United
’s long-awaited resurgence.