Ruben Amorim is poised to depart England and return to his native Portugal following his dramatic dismissal as manager of Manchester United, a move that will see him vacate the impressive £1.2million Cheshire mansion he shared with his wife.
A Sudden End at Old Trafford
The Portuguese coach's ill-fated tenure at Manchester United came to an abrupt halt on Monday, just one day after his side's 1-1 draw away at Leeds United. His 14-month stint in charge was terminated after a series of reported disagreements with the club's hierarchy, culminating in a meeting at the Carrington training complex where he was informed of the decision.
With immediate effect, Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher has been installed as caretaker manager for the midweek trip to Burnley. The club is expected to appoint an interim boss to steer the team for the remainder of the season.
Smiles Despite the Setback
Despite the professional setback, Amorim and his wife, Maria Joao Diogo, were pictured in surprisingly good spirits. Just hours after the sacking was confirmed on Monday afternoon, the couple were seen stepping out of their Cheshire home for a stroll, both wearing sunglasses and broad grins.
If, as expected, they relocate to Portugal, they will be leaving behind a substantial and luxurious property. The modern detached residence, spanning approximately 6,000 square feet, boasts six bedrooms, with five featuring ensuite facilities.
Inside the Spacious Mansion
According to the estate agent's listing from before the Amorims' tenancy, the property was described as a 'delightful modern detached residence' with the 'utmost attention to detail'. Its notable features include:
- Four to five reception rooms, including a cinema room equipped for entertainment.
- A master bedroom with a spacious dressing room.
- A self-contained annexe above the double garage, ideal for guests or relatives.
- High security and privacy, with electric gates, fully enclosed private gardens, and a large driveway.
The house, valued at around £1,224,000, was fully furnished and showcased a 'stunning interior'. While the exact date of the listing photos is unclear, Maria, a successful interior designer and businesswoman, may well have put her own stamp on the decor since moving in.
Maria, who co-founded the interior design firm Dois Tons, has maintained a relatively low profile during the family's time in England. She was spotted again on Tuesday in Manchester with Amorim and his agent. The couple, who married in 2013 after meeting during Amorim's playing days, have two children together.
As the search for a new United manager begins, Amorim's brief and turbulent chapter in the Premier League closes, marked by boardroom friction and the impending departure from a lavish Cheshire home.
