Report: What concerned West Ham about Ruben Amorim during interview which Man United have chosen to ignore

10/31/2024 09:15 AM

Ruben Amorim is close to becoming a Premier League manager as Manchester United near an appointment.

The 39-year-old has long been linked with a switch to the Premier League as a result of his stellar work at Sporting CP, where he has lifted two Primeira Liga titles, one Taca da Liga and also the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira.

Amorim was heavily linked with Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp decided to step down, although the Reds eventually opted to hire Arne Slot instead.

West Ham also had a look at Ruben Amorim when it became apparent David Moyes would be leaving – even interviewing the Portuguese tactician – although the Hammers had one concern which Manchester United have now chosen to ignore.

West Ham expressed concern over Ruben Amorim’s lack of experience

A story from the Daily Mail now states that West Ham were wary of hiring the 39-year-old due to his lack of experience outside of Portuguese football.

Within the article, a source close to West Ham explains that the Hammers were apprehensive over Amorim, due to the fact he has only managed one top club in his own country.

For a start, that is not even factually correct, as the man from Lisbon has also coached Braga, winning the Taca da Liga before moving to Sporting CP in 2020.

Julen Lopetegui – a man with a broader CV having coached the likes of Real Madrid, Spain and Wolves in the past – was eventually offered the job.

Manchester United clearly feel Amorim’s lack of experience outside of Portugal is not going to be an issue, with INEOS ignoring the concern West Ham held, and shelling out €10m (£8.6m) to buy the Sporting CP boss out of his contract.

Manchester United could make West Ham look foolish

If Amorim now becomes a huge hit in the Premier League at Old Trafford – while Lopetegui flounders at West Ham – it could be quite embarrassing for the east Londoners.

Despite Sunday’s 2-1 win over Manchester United, the Hammers are still yet to look anything special under the Spaniard, losing four and drawing two out of nine Premier League games so far to sit 13th in the table.

TBR Football understand David Sullivan has been deeply concerned by Lopetegui and his start to life at West Ham, which has also involved an alleged fallout with Mohammed Kudus, and the strange decision to largely ignore Crysencio Summerville, a £25m signing from Leeds who won the Championship Player of the Year last term.

Therefore, West Ham fans will be selfishly hoping that Amorim fails at Manchester United, or else it could leave the Irons with egg on their face.