Deco's damning assessment of new Man Utd boss Amorim

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 1 Nov 2024 09:44 GMT
3 min read

Barcelona sporting director Deco has previously explained why Ruben Amorim would have not been suited to his club.

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In quotes which have resurfaced, the executive spoke about the potential appointment of the head coach to the Catalan side.

According to reports, Sporting CP's Amorim has agreed to replace Erik ten Hag in the dugout at Manchester United, following the Dutchman's sacking earlier this week. There is a 30-day notice period which needs to be waived and compensation due to his current club - a release clause of some €10 million - but it's widely believed that Amorim will become the next manager of the Old Trafford club.

Fabrizio Romano had reported: "Portuguese coach will start new #MUFC chapter during the international break; documents to be signed this week. Contract until 2027. Sporting to receive €10m clause — plus €1m for staff/30 days notice."

Today, Romano on X, tweeted: “Manchester United and Sporting have prepared all documents for Ruben Amorim's move to be sealed in the next days.

“Same on manager side as Amorim will sign at Man Utd until June 2027, as planned. Formal steps to follow soon."

Assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy will be in interim charge of United. In his first game, he guided them to a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

Despite being just 39 years old, Amorim has been hugely successful at Sporting CP, winning two league titles in Portugal and two Taca da Ligas. He joined the club from Braga, with limited experience, but has gone from strength to strength since then.

Deco snubs Amorim

But, speaking in an interview with ‘Nascer do Sol’ earlier this year, Deco shot down the notion that the manager could take over from Xavi, who was set to leave last summer.

“A Portuguese coach? How many Portuguese coaches are prepared for the weight and responsibility of taking charge of Barcelona, especially this Barcelona with all the difficulties that entails?," he said.

"I know that Ruben Amorim is doing a good job at Sporting and that, in addition, he plays with a similar style to ours, but he also has very little experience.”