An emotional Ruben Amorim told his players what he thought of them as he said goodbye
Footage of Ruben Amorim’s emotional farewell to his Sporting CP squad has been released.
It’s nearly 12 months since the Portuguese coach took the reins at Manchester United, taking over from the dismissed Erik ten Hag. After his appointment was confirmed, Amorim oversaw three additional Sporting fixtures: a comprehensive 5-1 triumph against Estela in the Primeira Liga, an unforgettable 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League and a remarkable comeback win at Braga.
Sporting found themselves trailing 2-1 with fewer than 10 minutes remaining before securing a dramatic 4-2 victory. It proved a perfect conclusion to Amorim’s successful tenure, which delivered two Primeira Liga championships.
His heartfelt final speech to the players has now been broadcast as part of a club documentary covering the 2024/25 campaign. He addressed his squad: “I don’t like goodbyes. We’ll win the championship. There’s no turning back. The difference is huge, huge.
“What you did in the second half, wow! But now, is it going to be difficult? It’s going to be difficult for everyone. You have to help Quaresma, you have to help Pote, Geny, Ivan, who never plays, Esgaio. It’s going to be difficult.
“We’re going to win this s***… You guys are unbelievable, much better than on Tuesday [against City], much better. What I felt here in the second half… The third goal, the fourth goal, guys, it was the best football moment.”
By that point, Amorim was welling up while his speech was interrupted by a round of applause from the group. He went on: “Everything you need from me, everything, you’ll have.
“I’ll be cheering for you more than for myself. Thank you for everything, you’re the greatest, by far. Thank you for everything. No more goodbyes, okay, my boys?”
It’s reasonable to suggest Amorim hasn’t forged the same connection with his United players, whom he continues to find difficult to get the best out of on a regular basis. Following a lower mid-table finish and defeat in the Europa League final last term, expectations were raised after significant summer investment in new signings.
United have suffered a challenging start to the campaign, sparking questions over Amorim’s long-term prospects. He has been backed publicly by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, while the 2-0 triumph against Sunderland prior to the international break left six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Amorim will be hoping to secure consecutive league victories for the first time since taking charge when his team face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
2025-10-18 06:30:00
