Ruben Amorim speaks out after Man Utd start delayed due to late issue

Ruben Amorim said he was looking forward to starting at Manchester United on Monday despite reports that his new job has been delayed due to visa issues.

Amorim was set to officially take the reins at Old Trafford on Monday with his first game in charge against Ipswich Town on 24 November, after the international break.

The Portuguese coach signed off at Sporting Lisbon in style on Sunday night, guiding his side to a 4-2 comeback win over former club Braga.

The 39-year-old is scheduled travel to the UK Monday morning but the Daily Telegraph report his start will now be delayed until later in the week with paperwork on his visa still to be finalised.

While he is still set to arrive in the UK tomorrow, Amorim will not be able to officially begin work at the club’s Carrington training base until those final details are rubber-stamped.

However, speaking after his final game in Portugal, Amorim said he was looking forward to getting stuck in on Monday and did not underestimate the task at hand.

‘I feel ready for the new challenge. I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult,’ he said.

‘I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow. I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here anywhere else, but there are other places with different exposure and pressure.’

Speaking to Sport TV, Amorim added: ‘I won’t become a different person. I know I’ll be fine. Whether it’s three months or 10 years, I know I’ll be fine. I’m fully aware of what’s important in life.

‘Whatever comes, will come. I really want to win. I’ll be in a better mood if I win, more upset if I lose. I certainly won’t lose my essence, I’d sooner lose my coaching career.’

Despite the rumoured delay, Amorim is unlikely to have his plans major effected with most of United’s first-team squad away on international duty.

England trio Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are among those still at Carrington, with the forward not selected in the latest Three Lions squad and the latter two recovering from injury.

Amorim is expected to have his full squad back in Manchester and ready to work on Thursday week before his first game in charge against Ipswich.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been in charge of United’s last four games having stepped in to take charge as interim boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

The former United striker returned to the club to join ten Hag’s backroom staff in the summer and has a contract until 2026. While van Nistelrooy is eager to stay on and work with Amorim, his future is uncertain with the Portuguese expected to arrive with his own trusted team in tow.

‘We will learn what the further plan is now,’ van Nistelrooy said after his final game in charge, a 3-0 win over Leicester City.

‘I am here to support the club and I want to continue that. I was told after this block of four matches, there will be communication towards you and your colleagues [about the future], so I expect to hear today [Sunday] or tomorrow [Monday].’

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