Rio Ferdinand playfully suggested that Pep Guardiola might be โscaredโ after Manchester Cityโs 4-1 defeat to Ruben Amorimโs Sporting Lisbon, just before Amorimโs 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 Cityโs heaviest defeat since 2020 and extended their losing streak to three games across all competitions.
Former United defender Ferdinand, speaking on TNT Sports, praised Amorimโs tactical adjustments and the tenacity of his team, saying itโs exactly the kind of spirit United needs. โThe change in dynamics, the aggression, the resilienceโthose are qualities weโre missing at Man United,โ Ferdinand noted. โWatching that, Iโm excited about what he could bring.โ
Ferdinand jokingly added that Guardiola would be โafraidโ of Amorimโs 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. โIf I were in the United playersโ group chat, Iโd be buzzing. Iโd want him in tomorrow,โ Ferdinand quipped. โItโs been way too negative at United lately. Hopefully, heโll bring some sunshine, but it wonโt be an overnight fix.โ
After the final whistle, Sporting players celebrated Amorimโs farewell by hoisting him into the air, a fitting tribute ahead of his upcoming role at United. Heโll 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 โthe new Alex Ferguson has arrivedโ 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.