Rio Ferdinand playfully suggested that Pep Guardiola might be “scared” after Manchester City’s 4-1 defeat to Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon, just before Amorim’s move to manage Manchester United.
Tuesday night saw Amorim take center stage as he led Sporting in his final home game before joining United. The 39-year-old delivered an impressive farewell performance, with his team rallying from a goal down to secure a memorable win over City. Viktor Gyokeres was on fire, scoring a hat-trick, and Maximiliano Araujo also found the net.
This loss marked City’s heaviest defeat since 2020 and extended their losing streak to three games across all competitions.
Former United defender Ferdinand, speaking on TNT Sports, praised Amorim’s tactical adjustments and the tenacity of his team, saying it’s exactly the kind of spirit United needs. “The change in dynamics, the aggression, the resilience—those are qualities we’re missing at Man United,” Ferdinand noted. “Watching that, I’m excited about what he could bring.”
Ferdinand jokingly added that Guardiola would be “afraid” of Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, where he is set to start on November 11, although Ferdinand acknowledged it would take time for Amorim to make a real impact at United. “If I were in the United players’ group chat, I’d be buzzing. I’d want him in tomorrow,” Ferdinand quipped. “It’s been way too negative at United lately. Hopefully, he’ll bring some sunshine, but it won’t be an overnight fix.”
After the final whistle, Sporting players celebrated Amorim’s farewell by hoisting him into the air, a fitting tribute ahead of his upcoming role at United. He’ll manage one more game with Sporting against Braga before his move during the international break.
Amorim himself humorously acknowledged the excitement around his move, joking before the match that fans might think “the new Alex Ferguson has arrived” if Sporting pulled off a win.
Currently, Manchester United sit in 13th place in the Premier League, with 12 points from their first 10 games, leaving plenty of room for Amorim to bring the much-needed change United fans are hoping for.
