Amorim saved Sporting from despair but United marks a whole new test | David Hytner
Portuguese built his name on consistency and charisma but can he transfer his watchwords to the Theatre of Dreams?
The parallels are there and Manchester United have certainly considered them. Few managers go into a club during the season when everything is rosy but, even by the low standards of the trade, Rúben Amorim’s arrival at Sporting in March 2020 stood out.
The Lisbon giants were at a horribly low ebb. Fourth in the Primeira Liga, 20 points off the leaders, Porto, they were on to their fourth manager of the season and their previous title from 2001-02 was a speck in the rearview mirror.
