Ruben Amorim has stated that a substantial salary was not the driving factor behind his choice to take the managerial position at Manchester United. In fact, he had previously received a more lucrative offer earlier this year, which he ultimately turned down. Amorim’s move to United was made official when the club compensated Sporting CP with €12 million, exceeding the amount stipulated in his contract. Sporting requested an additional €2 million for the one-month notice period required for his departure.
Amorim will continue with Sporting until November 10, after which he will commence his duties at Manchester United, with his debut expected against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on November 24.
The significant pay rise from approximately £2.15 million at Sporting to £6.5 million per year at United (around $133.17 million) has led to speculation about whether financial motives influenced his decision. Nonetheless, Amorim has emphasized that despite the increase, his salary remains considerably lower than those of other prominent managers, such as Pep Guardiola, who earns £20 million annually, and Mikel Arteta, who is on £13 million per year.
In an interview with Daily Mail, Amorim reflected on how a previous club had offered him a salary three times that of Manchester United’s proposal. He remarked, “A club told me that if I declined this opportunity, I might not get another chance for six months. I was aware that I would be leaving Sporting in that timeframe.” He conveyed his appreciation for Sporting’s supporters, indicating that while he holds a deep affection for the club and its community, he ultimately had to make a decision that he felt was right for his career.
