From Portugal: Sporting solidarity with Rúben Amorim after Manchester United sack

Manchester United’s decision to dismiss Rúben Amorim is already echoing strongly in Portugal. But strangely, the local media is treating the episode as an example of how quickly football can turn at elite level.

Speaking ahead of Sporting CP’s Taça da Liga match against Vitória de Guimarães, Sporting head coach Rui Borges was asked about Amorim’s exit from Old Trafford.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported his comments, which focused on professional respect rather than criticism.

Borges took charge of Sporting in December 2024, the second manager after Amorim left for Manchester United. During the press conference, he made it clear that he did not want to expand too much on the subject. Still, he felt the situation deserved context.

“I am supportive of Rúben [Amorim]. Unfortunately, football is like this,” Borges said. “I will not talk much about it, but I am supportive because he is a colleague of the profession. He left the club in sixth place. Despite everything, he is a great coach and he will certainly have great projects and great clubs in the future.”

In Portugal, coverage has focused less on Manchester United’s internal decisions and more on Amorim’s standing. The prevailing view sees this spell as a setback, not a verdict on his ability.

For that reason, discussion continues around when, not if, he will take charge of another major project.