- The Man United midfielder previously worked under new manager Ruben Amorim
- Manuel Ugarte revealed that the Man United stars are excited about the arrival of Amorim
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Manuel Ugarte has delivered his verdict on the appointment of Rubén Amorim as Manchester United’s next permanent coach and has revealed the key factor that “surprised” his teammates who had previously worked with the Sporting Lisbon coach.
Amorim is tasked with returning United to their former glories after losing their way under former boss Erik ten Hag, who won two titles during his reign but also oversaw dismal Premier League campaigns.
The Portuguese has signed an initial two-and-a-half-year contract, which the club can extend for a further 12 months, if they wish.
United’s willingness to bring the 39-year-old head coach to the club led them to shell out €1m on top of an initial £8.3m release clause to secure an early exit.
Amorim will officially take up his new role on November 11 and will use the upcoming international break to familiarize himself with his surroundings ahead of his first game in charge, which will be at Ipswich Town on November 24.
Manuel Ugarte (pictured) has given his verdict on the appointment of Rubén Amorim as Manchester United’s next permanent manager.
Amorim named as Man United’s next manager and will start work on November 11
Ugarte (left) previously played under Amorim at Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon.
Meanwhile, Ugarte has previous experience working with Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, winning the Portuguese Cup together and making 85 appearances in two seasons before leaving for PSG in 2023.
However, Ugarte has fond memories of working with Amorim and is desperate to rediscover his previous best form after struggling since his £51million summer move to Old Trafford.
After praising Amorim’s imminent arrival in Manchester, Ugarte congratulated the talented coach in statements to DAZN after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea: “I saw that the Sporting fans were upset and you can understand it, because the coach is a great coach.
“It’s good for United, we have to take advantage of it and convey its idea as soon as possible. I think it will be a different dynamic and the day-to-day life will be similar to that of Sporting.
“The league, the country, football changes… It’s a big challenge for him, but we all know he has the skills,” he added.
Ugarte revealed that Manchester United players have been “surprised” that Amorim is only 39 years old
Ugarte has had a difficult start in life since his £51million summer move to Old Trafford.
Ugarte’s first-hand experience working with Amorim has also made him a prominent figure in the United dressing room, where players are excited to understand what is expected from the new dugout boss.
In particular, the midfielder revealed that his United teammates were surprised by Amorim’s age, 39, which makes him the club’s youngest manager since the 1960s.
Ugarte continued: ‘There are many questions about him from my teammates. What surprised them was his age.
“He is also very hungry to win and that is very important. I say he will like it,” he added.
