Ruben Amorim had highlighted weakness of Manuel Ugarte at Sporting CP

Ruben Amorim spent a brief three months in a role before advancing to the first team, eventually being appointed at Sporting CP in March 2020. His significant recent interaction is with Manuel Ugarte, who was signed by Amorim in August 2021 for £4.5 million. Initially recruited to substitute Joao Palhinha, Ugarte found increased opportunities following Palhinha’s departure to Fulham in 2022. This transition was pivotal for Ugarte, who featured in nearly all league matches during the 2022/23 season at Sporting. His impressive performances facilitated a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for £51 million, and he later joined Manchester United this summer. Amorim has since publicly addressed the differences between United players, which could become a point of concern for the club.

Ruben Amorim said, “Morten doesn’t have Ugarte’s ability to find players from all sides of the pitch with incredible speed. Morten has, and Ugarte didn’t have, the ability to read the game, anticipate moves and be well positioned. We have to adapt the team to the players we have and Morten will also adapt to our way of playing, to our high pressing.”