Ruben Amorim insists Man United ‘can NOT play the way we play’ after helping Sporting Lisbon thrash Man City – as incoming boss reveals the one area where the Red Devils will differ
Ruben Amorim has insisted that Man United will not be able to ‘play the way we play’ after helping Sporting Lisbon thrash Man City on Tuesday night.
The Portuguese boss took charge of his final home game at Sporting after agreeing a two-and-a-half year deal with the Red Devils as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.
And he signed off in style after securing a shock 4-1 victory over United’s local rivals Man City – with Viktor Gyokeres scoring a hat-trick on the night.
It was a result and performance that will excite United fans however Amorim quickly explained that the Red Devils will not be able to replicate Sporting’s style.
Speaking after the match, Amorim said: ‘We cannot transport one reality to another. United cannot play the way we play, they cannot be so defensive.
Ruben Amorim has insisted that Man United will not be able to ‘play the way’ Sporting play
The Portuguese boss has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Red Devils
‘Of course it’s good to beat City. But I’ll be living in a different world, we’ll have to start from a different point.’
Despite the scoreline suggesting Sporting dominated the game, the hosts were restricted to just 27 per cent possession – which is likely what Amorim alludes to.
Sporting also managed just nine shots compared to City’s 20 and completed 181 passes compared to City’s 556.
After the game, Amorim waved an emotional goodbye to Sporting Lisbon fans following his final home game in charge.
He will have the task of turning around a dire start to the season, with United currently 13th in the Premier League table and without a win in Europe for over a year.
Before the game, a giant tifo displaying the word ‘obrigado’ – which translates roughly to ‘thank you’ – was on display, with Amroim’s face also featuring on the display.
Alongside the Portuguese were the two division trophies he won in his four years with the club – the first of which was the club’s first in 19 years.
An emotional Amroim then made his way out to receive a commemorative plaque of sorts representing his achievements, and he appeared to fight back the tears and waved to those in attendance.
Amorim helped mastermind a 4-1 victory over Man City in his final home game at Sporting
However, he revealed that United cannot be as ‘defensive’ as the Portuguese giants
Fans sang his name in the early moments of the game, before Phil Foden’s strike silenced the crowd just four minutes in.
On the back of a poor first half from the hosts, they turned on the style in the second period with star striker Viktor Gyokeres netting a hat-trick in the win.
At full time, City boss Pep Guardiola congratulated his future rival – the next Manchester derby is just 40 days away – before Amorim ran off to celebrate with his players.
He conducted a lap of honour at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, with 50,000 fans in attendance to give their thanks. He remained on the field well past full time.
