Ruben Amorim: Thrilled by the Weather as He Prepares for Manchester United’s Challenge
Ruben Amorim is already making waves at Manchester United, and it’s not just his new managerial role that has him excited. The former Sporting Lisbon boss, who was appointed to replace Erik ten Hag, recently arrived in Manchester, and his first reactions to the city have left fans intrigued—and even entertained.
Despite being unable to officially start his duties due to work permit issues, Amorim has wasted no time familiarizing himself with the club. He’s held meetings with staff and management ahead of taking the reins, and it’s clear that he’s eager to get started. However, what stood out most in his arrival footage shared by the club was his surprising reaction to the Manchester weather.
Climbing out of a car at Carrington, Amorim couldn’t help but comment, “You see the weather?” It’s not every day that a new manager expresses excitement over sunshine, but Amorim’s enthusiasm was infectious as he acknowledged the rare break in the usual grey skies that hang over Manchester.
This little moment sparked an interesting contrast with his predecessor, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had notably struggled with the Manchester weather during his time at United. According to Gary Neville, the weather was one of the reasons that played into Ronaldo’s decision to leave the club in 2009 for Real Madrid. The star forward, who had grown accustomed to Spain’s warmer climate, found the dreary, rainy weather of Manchester difficult to cope with—a sentiment that didn’t go unnoticed by Neville.
Despite the difference in their reactions to the weather, Amorim’s excitement speaks to his natural optimism and willingness to embrace new challenges, something that could bode well for United as they embark on a new era under his leadership.
Amorim’s transition to life in Manchester won’t just be about adjusting to the weather. Eduardo Rocha, a former director at one of Amorim’s previous clubs, has hinted that the new manager will need time to adapt to the cultural and environmental differences, especially given his experience in Portugal. Rocha joked that Amorim might have to ditch the short sleeves he’s known for, with the colder English weather likely requiring a more layered approach.
Still, Rocha is confident that Amorim will adapt quickly and make the most of his time in Manchester. The Portuguese manager’s ability to connect with players and staff, his understanding of the game, and his proven track record with Sporting Lisbon are all factors that suggest a promising future at Old Trafford.
As Amorim prepares to officially take over, he has just under two weeks to get his team ready for their next challenge—a home match against newly promoted Ipswich. There’s much work to be done, but one thing is clear: Ruben Amorim is eager to make his mark, and the weather it seems won’t stop him.
With Amorim’s arrival bringing a fresh sense of optimism to the team, it will be exciting to see how the manager shapes the squad and what style of play he introduces to Manchester United. One thing’s for sure, though—he’s off to a sunny start!