New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim makes surprise admission about replacing Pep Guardiola at Man City
The incoming Manchester United manager was linked with a move to the Etihad just weeks ago.
Ruben Amorim has revealed the thought of following Hugo Viana to Manchester City did cross his mind but he reiterated his commitment to Manchester United.
The Portuguese manager last week accepted a role to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, with the current Sporting Lisbon manager bizarrely preparing to face City in his penultimate match as Sporting boss.
Just a few weeks ago, speculation had been rife that the 39-year-old could be in line to be Pep Guardiola’s long-term replacement and follow Viana to the Etihad, although City sources have distanced themselves from those reports.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash on Tuesday, Amorim was asked whether managing City had ever felt like a possibility.
“Obviously it is one [thing] that crossed my mind,” he replied. “But I never had any doubts about the club I wanted to work for and my decision has been made. I was not undecided about it. I wanted Manchester United.”
Asked separately by TNT Sports about his relationship with Viana, Amorim added: “We will be friends until the end, but I have my way and I chose Manchester United.
"Manchester United is my club, Manchester City is his club, so it's going to be fun and I hope to help Manchester United to improve and he will do the same. It's hard to improve in Manchester City at the moment but I chose my path.”
Amorim, who referred to City as the best team in the world and Guardiola as the best manager, admitted there will inevitably be additional interest in Tuesday’s game given his imminent move to Manchester.
“Of course, I’m sure there will be interest on the match [in Manchester] and everyone will be paying attention to every detail but my focus is on Sporting. Before that new adventure in Manchester what interests me is leaving the Alvalade with a perfect farewell.”