Man City star's Ruben Amorim statement shows Man Utd rivals' true feelings

Bernardo Silva has expressed mixed feelings regarding Ruben Amorim's move to Manchester United. The Manchester City star praised his compatriot's coaching abilities, but stopped short of wishing him good luck at Old Trafford.

Silva, who has close ties to Sporting through family and friends, recognizes the transformative effect Amorim has had on the Lisbon club. In his words, they became a “machine” during his tenure.

Silva, who came through the ranks at Benfica, scored twice in City's 5-0 win over Sporting two years ago. However, he expects a much tougher test for Pep Guardiola's side in Lisbon this evening (Tuesday).

“Before his arrival, Sporting had not won the championship for almost 20 years, but since he has been there with the president and the sporting director, it seems that they have all gone in the same direction,” he said. Bernardo said ahead of the Champions League clash.

“When that happens and people are competent, have the same idea and follow the same path, the chances of doing well are much greater. As a manager, tactically, you can see that he is really good, in the how he prepares his teams.

“Sporting are a big machine at the moment. I have nothing but compliments because they have been flying in the Portuguese championship. It will be very difficult to beat them.

“As for him leaving for Manchester United, I don't wish him luck, but he deserves to be at one of the best clubs in the world right now because of the work he has done over the last few years. He will be a rival, but I'm happy that someone else from Portugal is in the best league in the world.”

Silva's comments sum up just how deep-rooted the rivalry between United and City is – but the Portuguese star's compliments of the new Red Devils boss will be like music to the ears of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co, who had to make an important appointment and turned to Amorim after Erik ten Hag left the club in crisis.

Amorim, who has two games remaining as Sporting boss before taking charge at United next week, insists he is still fully focused on his current club. He stressed: “The focus is on Sporting’s victory.

“After that, the inferences people will draw from this match are not important to me because they could be misleading. If the result is negative, expectations will fall.

“If we win, they will think the new Alex Ferguson has arrived! It will be very difficult to respect. I don't think about it. What interests me is winning.”