“Ruben Amorim is a very good coach but I’m really bothered due to his lack of experience and he’s mostly regarded as BABY COACH…I prefer Ruud van Nistelrooy”: Man United’s player says he prefers Ruud van Nistelrooy as a head coach than Ruben Amorim
Diogo Dalot did his very best to hide a knowing smile as Ruben Amorim’s name was brought up following Manchester United’s 5-2 EFL Cup hammering of Leicester City.
As the proverbial elephant came trumpeting his way into the post-match media section at Old Trafford, the Red Devils right-back would have been forgiven for wishing he was anywhere else as the Manchester United supporters waited with baited breath for any hint towards Ruben Amorim’s seemingly inevitable arrival.
For Dalot, meanwhile, this week brings mixed feelings. Regret about what went wrong, and excitement for the future yet to come.
In the end, it was Sir Dave Brailsford – Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-serving right-hand man – who all-but confirmed Amorim’s appointment. The Man United chief was spotted telling fans at full-time that Amorim was a ‘done’ deal.
Diogo Dalot reacts as Manchester United near Ruben Amorim appointment
The Portugal international was one of the players who made great strides under Erik ten Hag, even if his form of late has left plenty to be desired.
Dalot became a regular alongside the Dutchman, and was a major part of those two Wembley triumphs over Newcastle and Manchester City.
“It is [sad], and we felt it the day afterwards,” Dalot told reporters. “[Ten Hag] was man that breathes football 100 per cent. This is what he loves the most.
“But this is football. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We just wish him all the best, thank him for everything he did for us. He helped me a lot. He helped me bring through at this club and gave me all the confidence that I needed to show I can play for this club.
“And we won trophies together. We keep good memories.”
Dalot’s disappointment at seeing Ten Hag pack his bags, however, will be offset to some extent by the exciting arrival of one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
The former FC Porto starlet will be well aware of the remarkable job Amorim did at Sporting Lisbon. He ended Sporting’s 19-year wait for a league title – Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a committed member of the Amorim fanclub – and leaves The Lions in pole position for a third domestic triumph in four seasons.
