Amorim to break Manchester United promise

Ruben Amorim is already making waves at Manchester United, but it seems the Portuguese manager may be on the verge of controversy just weeks into his tenure.

Reports suggest he is set to break a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with former club Sporting CP by targeting some of their top players in the January transfer window—a move reminiscent of his predecessor Erik ten Hag’s transfer dealings.

Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag earlier this month, quickly endeared himself to United fans with his energy and fresh approach.

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His debut on the touchline, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, showcased a rejuvenated United side, earning him applause despite the underwhelming result. However, his credibility might soon be tested.

According to the Daily Mail, Amorim dispatched scouts to Sporting’s Champions League clash against Arsenal, reportedly with an eye on three standout players: Viktor Gyökeres, Pedro Gonçalves, and Geovany Quenda.

The move would contradict a promise he made upon leaving Sporting not to raid their squad—a deal similar to Erik ten Hag’s with Ajax, which Ten Hag later broke to bring Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Old Trafford.

Unfortunately for Amorim, his scouts may have picked the wrong night to visit.

Sporting endured a humiliating 5-1 defeat at home, with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhães dismantling the defense by halftime. Although Gonçalo Inácio pulled one back for Sporting in the second half, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard sealed the rout.

The spotlight now shifts to Amorim’s next move. Will he honor his word to Sporting, or follow in the footsteps of his predecessor by prioritizing United’s rebuild over past loyalties?

With Gyökeres’s incredible 67 goals in 70 games since joining Sporting and Gonçalves’s attacking prowess, it’s clear why Amorim would want them.

For United fans, the prospect of raiding Sporting is tantalizing, but it raises a question: Is Amorim’s quest for success worth risking the trust and integrity he’s built so far?