Ruben Amorim gives major hint on how he will build his Man Utd team

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed his desire for his teams to “control the ball without fear”. It comes after Erik ten Hag was fired last week following United's worst start to a Premier League season.

The club moved quickly to sign Amorim, who has signed a two-and-a-half year contract which will expire in the summer of 2027. United are confident they have signed one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.

At just 39 years old, Amorim led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years in his first full season and is renowned for his tactical acumen. His preferred 3-4-3 formation and possession-dominating style were key elements of his successful tenure at Sporting Lisbon.

Amorim will officially begin his role at United on November 11, coinciding with the international break, and his first match in charge will be against Ipswich Town. However, he is currently serving a notice period at Sporting and will oversee the Portuguese side's home game against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Amorim opened up to TNT Sports about his emotional roller coaster, saying: “It's been tough, the worst and best week of my life. I have no other way to explain it. Very hard because I'm leaving a very good place but I'm going to one of the best clubs in the world so it was very hard but that's how it is.”

He continues with his thoughts on the upcoming match: “It's just another match as Sporting coach and I will be judged as Sporting coach. For me it's a huge match against the best world coach. I know it's difficult for me Manchester United fans.

“And I think they're the best team in the world, so it's going to be a tough match. We're close to qualifying for the play-offs, so this match is very important. It's my last match at Alvalade.”

Amorim also acknowledged England's attention: “I know everyone in England is looking and taking ideas for this game, but for me it's just that, it's my last game as a player. “Sporting coach and I'm going to focus on that.”

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, he added: “I think it's difficult to say that [looking forward to coming against Guardiola more]I think it's very difficult, but it's not just Pep, all the best coaches are in England, so it's a different world.”

“In Portugal you have the three best teams and you control most of the games, but there the world is different and I need that as a coach now. To think I'm looking forward to a challenge like this one, maybe not [laughs]”.

Amorim, when asked about his tactics at Sporting, stressed: “As I said, I am more worried about my players feeling comfortable to play football and win the match than showing something to the fans English and the English media I concentrate on my Sporting players here.

He continued: “I think we have the talent to play well, but they have to feel comfortable, so that's my goal. I understand that there will be a lot of people who will judge my team and my work in a single match.”

“I know that, but I don't think about it. I just focus on my players and the quality of the team. Of course, I want a team that can control the ball without fear but we will see tomorrow.”

With rumors swirling that he could succeed Pep Guardiola at City, Amorim's close ally Hugo Viana, currently Sporting's director of football, is said to be on his way to the Etihad.

“We will be friends until the end, but I have what I want and I choose Manchester United,” Amorim said. “Manchester United is my club and Manchester City is his club, so it’s going to be fun.”

“I hope to help Manchester United improve and he will do the same, even though it is difficult to improve at Manchester City at the moment. I have chosen my path and that is United.”