United chiefs told me it was now or never

New Reds coach says he asked to stay at Sporting Lisbon until the end of the season, but he was given Old Trafford ultimatum

- SIMON PEACH

RUBEN Amorim says United told him it was 'now or never' after requesting to finish the season with Sporting rather than immediately take over the only club he had his heart set on joining.

A week that started with Erik ten Hag being sacked following a disappointing start to his third season in charge ended with the exciting appointment of the talented 39-year-old as head coach.

Amorim has agreed a contract until June 2027, with the option for a further year, and will begin work at Old Trafford on Monday, November 11 having overseen Sporting's final matches before the international break.

The former Portugal international leaves in an 11million euros (£9.2m) deal and gave an in-depth rundown of the situation after masterminding Friday's 5-1 league win at home to Estrela da Amadora.

"I had a talk with the president (Frederico Varandas) and I said whatever happened this would be my last season with Sporting," Amorim said in the post-match press conference. "The president is here. He can confirm that.

"The season started, we know that we started very well. and then this situation with Manchester United came.