Sporting Lisbon's squad experienced an emotional rollercoaster when Ruben Amorim revealed he was leaving for Manchester United, with celebrations turning to tears. The Portuguese manager's departure was confirmed in November, and his players were deeply affected by the news.
Geny Catamo, a Mozambique international, recalled the moment Amorim told the team after a dramatic 4-2 comeback win against Braga. 'We were all celebrating in the locker room when he came in and announced he was indeed going to Manchester United. We were sad and cried. Most players cried,' Catamo told Bar Da Liga.
Amorim's move cost United £11 million to release him from his Sporting contract. He remained with the Portuguese side for three more matches, winning all of them, before joining the Red Devils. However, his time at Old Trafford has been challenging, with United finishing 15th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for European football for the first time since 2014/15.
Unlike at Sporting, Amorim has struggled to build a strong rapport with his United squad. He sidelined Marcus Rashford, who was later loaned to Aston Villa, and has faced criticism from players like Alejandro Garnacho over tactics and selection. The Argentine winger was photographed wearing a Rashford Aston Villa shirt after being told to find a new club.
