‘I do not want him effectively’ – Ruben Amorim despatched message as Man Utd rival delivers verdict

Bernardo Silva has told bitter rivals Manchester United they have got themselves a top class manager in Ruben Amorim.

Amorim has agreed to leave Sporting Lisbon to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag at United. Amorim has become one of the best young coaches in Europe, having led Sporting to two league titles, including their first in almost two decades.

And despite growing up a Benfica fan, and now starring for Manchester City, Silva admits he’s pleased a fellow Portuguese is heading to work in the Premier League. Silva said: “Before he arrived, Sporting didn’t win the league for nearly 20 years.

“But since he’s been there, with the president and the sporting director, it looks like they all went in the same direction. When that happens, and people are competent and have the same ideas and go the same way, the chances of doing well are much higher.

“As a manager tactically, you can see that he’s really good, the way he prepares his teams. Sporting was never this, it was always going upwards and they’re a big machine right now.

“I only have compliments, because they’ve been flying in the Portuguese league. In terms of him going to Manchester United, I don’t wish him well!

“But he deserves to be in one of the best clubs in the world right now, because of the work that he has done for the last few years.”

Sporting face City tonight in the Champions League at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, with Amorim’s side, who lay eighth in the table, taking on Pep Guardiola’s third placed Citizens.