Ruben Amorim has admitted that holding talks with West Ham while in charge of Sporting CP was a mistake, with the Portuguese now having departed Manchester United after less than a year in the role.
Speaking in April 2024, Amorim addressed the speculation surrounding his meeting with the London club. He insisted Sporting were aware of the trip and rejected claims it was conducted in secrecy, but conceded: "Obviously my trip was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong, it didn't seem right at the time. It was wrong, especially when I'm so demanding with my players."
Amorim went on to guide Sporting to the title before joining United in November 2024. His first season at Old Trafford brought a bottom-half league finish and a Europa League final defeat, leaving United without European football for the first time in more than a decade. Results have improved slightly this term, but a sixth-place position after 20 matches was not enough to convince the board to keep him.
Announcing his departure, the club stated: "With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish."
West Ham, meanwhile, have made a series of managerial changes since missing out on Amorim. David Moyes saw out the remainder of the 2023/24 season, followed by Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter and now Nuno Espirito Santo, whose side sit four points from Premier League safety amid speculation over his future.
