‘Manchester are in good hands’ – Sporting star raves about Ruben Amorim; drops hint about following manager

Sporting Lisbon star Morten Hjulmand has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the past, so it was interesting to hear him reflect on his manager’s decision to ditch Lisbon for Old Trafford.

The Denmark midfielder admitted it was difficult to hear the news last week, though that didn’t stop Sporting from continuing their winning run in the league over the weekend. They are currently 10 games unbeaten in the Primeira Liga.

Ruben Amorim’s exit caused a lot of upset at Sporting. One supporter was reduced to tears when asked to reflect on the news for national TV.

Ahead of Sporting’s meeting with Man City in the Champions League, Hjulmand joined Amorim for a pre-match press conference.

“It was also difficult for me to hear,” Hjulmand admitted, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “I was sad that Ruben is leaving me and leaving Sporting. It is a great opportunity. I hope that Ruben is proud of himself for getting an offer like this.”

This is perhaps the biggest hint yet that Hjulmand would be interested in joining Amorim at Old Trafford, and we are sure the gossip columns that exist on the web will be all over it.

Manchester United in safe hands under Ruben Amorim

Hjulmand added: “In football you don’t have any guarantees, I can tell you that. We had three tough games last week and the coach didn’t give us any days off. Speaking to Ruben about the whole process, we still needed to win our games. We are sad that Ruben is leaving. We are getting a new coach and a new coach that we believe in. Sporting are making the right choice by taking him and I believe in them.”

When asked what United can expect from Amorim in the future, he revealed Amorim was one of the biggest reasons he joined Sporting, adding: “Of course, Ruben was one of the reasons why I came to Sporting. When you work with Ruben you see a clear picture. That was important when I joined Sporting – first to understand how he plays. The way that he manages the team inside the pitch and outside the pitch as well is not like I anything I have seen in my short career. I think Manchester [United] are in good hands with Ruben.” 

Hjulmand also revealed he has yet to speak to Denmark duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund about their new head coach.

“I haven’t spoken to them yet [Rasmus and Christian]. Maybe I will see them in the international break. I haven’t spoken with them, but I think they will have a million questions when I speak to them next!”