Jose Mourinho sent a text message to Ruben Amorim before his first game as Manchester United manager, warning him about the scale of the task ahead. Amorim, who was sacked in January after just over a year in charge, revealed the message during his inaugural press conference at Old Trafford.
Speaking at the time, Amorim said: 'He sent me a message and told me that this is a lovely club, a big club, with lovely people – and that is correct. It still is. But a lot of things change and we are in a different building now.' Amorim had previously met Mourinho during a coaching internship with United in 2018.
The 41-year-old Portuguese coach was appointed in November 2024 following his success at Sporting CP, where he won five trophies including two Primeira Liga titles. However, he struggled to replicate that form at United, with the club languishing in 15th place in the Premier League after averaging a point per game in his first campaign.
United reached the Europa League final last season but Amorim was dismissed after a goalless draw with Leeds in January. He earned 58 points in 47 league matches during his tenure. Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, had previously praised Amorim as a coach with the potential to succeed at any club.
