Ruben Amorim hailed his ‘special night’ after being given a hero’s send-off in Lisbon ahead of his move to Manchester United.
Amorim was given a lap of honour and guard of honour, after leading Sporting Lisbon to a crushing 4-1 triumph over Manchester City in the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
The 39-year-old will take charge of United on Monday, after agreeing to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag. Amorim will take on Pep Guardiola again in his first Manchester derby next month.
He said: “It was written on the wall the that this night had to be like this. It was very special and we deserved it. I was playing with words when I mentioned Sir Alex Ferguson, and being compared to him.
“But I’m not going to read anything for the first six months in Manchester. I thank everyone for this victory. I’m going to keep these memories forever and it was a beautiful moment. This was the way to say farewell in this stadium.”
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Bernardo Silva admitted the result had left Guardiola’s men floored.
Silva said: “It’s difficult to find the reasons why what is happening now to us. I don’t remember, in seven-and-a-half seasons, losing three in a row. We’re in a dark place, everything looks to be going the wrong way.”
Guardiola added: “I don’t agree with him (Silva). We are not on the dark side. It’s a difficult moment, but I’m here and want to fight. I like these moments and I don’t want to give up. There is a challenge ahead of me.”