The emotional departure of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP left a dressing room of celebrating players in tears, a former player has revealed. The Portuguese manager, who was sacked by Manchester United on Monday 10th January 2026, had broken the news of his initial move to England just over a year earlier under poignant circumstances.
From Celebration to Heartbreak in the Dressing Room
Winger Geny Catamo provided a vivid account of the squad's reaction last year. The team had just completed a stunning comeback victory, overturning a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 against Braga in what Catamo described as their "best football we played all season." The mood in the locker room was one of pure elation.
That joy turned to sorrow the moment Amorim entered to confirm the swirling rumours. "We were all celebrating in the locker room when he came in and announced he was indeed going to Manchester United," Catamo told Bar Da Liga. "We were sad and cried. Most players cried. I believe I was one of those who cried the most that day."
The Buildup to a Premier League Move
Amorim's exit came at the peak of his success in Portugal. He had transformed Sporting into the dominant force in the Primeira Liga, breaking the traditional stronghold of Porto and Benfica. At the time of his departure, the club was sitting comfortably at the top of the league and had just delivered a sensational 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League.
The players had been aware of United's interest for a week, but Amorim had initially reassured them. "Ruben Amorim only told us that everything was fine and not to worry, we just had to focus on our game in Braga," Catamo recalled. His subsequent announcement, therefore, came as a devastating blow to a tight-knit squad.
A Short-Lived Tenure at Old Trafford
Amorim's move to Manchester United lasted just 14 months, ending with his dismissal after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United. His final act was an extraordinary speech to his players, asserting his authority as a manager rather than just a coach.
He explicitly stated, "I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach of Manchester United... I will do my job until the other guy is coming here to replace me." He referenced a pre-agreed 18-month timeframe and criticised the influence of external voices like pundit Gary Neville.
Following his exit, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher took temporary control of the team, assisted by veteran defender Jonny Evans. The contrasting reactions to Amorim's arrival and departure at his two clubs highlight the volatile nature of top-flight football management.
