- Rubén Amorim was previously linked as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola
- But the former Sporting boss insisted Manchester United was his “only option”
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Ruben Amorim insists he never had talks about Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City before taking over as Manchester United’s new manager.
Amorim was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad if Guardiola decided to leave at the end of the season after it was confirmed that his close ally at Sporting Lisbon, Hugo Viana, will replace Txiki Begiristain as City’s sporting director in the summer.
But United snapped up Amorim after they decided to sack Erik ten Hag in October, and Guardiola agreed to extend his contract at City.
As he prepares for his first Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, Amorim categorically denied having had any contact with City before joining United.
“Never,” he said. ‘I never heard from them and this was my only option. When Manchester United spoke to me I had no doubts. I already had something in mind that (the United job) could be a possibility. With Manchester City or with Viana? Nothing of the sort.’
Ruben Amorim dismissed claims he was in talks to take charge of Manchester City if Pep Guardiola left
The Portuguese was appointed United manager in October and Guardiola eventually signed a new two-year contract at the Etihad.
Amorim will choose from an almost fully fit squad for the derby after confirming that Jonny Evans is available again after injury.
That leaves only Luke Shaw as United’s only confirmed absentee as the England defender recovers from his latest muscle problem. ‘Everyone should go back. “Evans is back training,” Amorim said.