New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim gives verdict on length of his contract at Old Trafford – as he reveals why he’s different to Jose Mourinho

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has insisted the length of his contract is ‘perfect’ ahead of his first match in charge of the club. 

Amorim took charge at Old Trafford during the international break after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing Erik ten Hag and taking the reins from interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy. 

The Portuguese has been in Manchester this week as he adapts to his new job as head coach of the Red Devils following his departure from Sporting Lisbon in his homeland.

He held his first press conference ahead of facing Ipswich and was asked whether two-and-a-half-years is enough time to change United’s fortunes – and responded to comparisons to Jose Mourinho. 

‘No, no, no Mourinho is one person… can I speak Portuguese?… Mourinho is one person. I’m another coach, they are two entirely different stories,’ Amorim said. 

‘Regarding contract length, for me it is perfect, because in two years’ time you can work out whether I’m the ideal coach for this project or not. 

Amorim signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford after taking over from Erik ten Hag

Amorim insists he is ‘entirely different’ to compatriot and ex-Man United boss Jose Mourinho 

‘We can therefore avoid those problems associated with coaches on a long contract when we see that the coach isn’t ideal for the project so we’re avoiding this problem. 

‘I think the length of my contract is perfect.’

Amorim has arrived as ‘head coach’, the first in United’s history, and it is part of an overhaul to the structure led by CEO Omar Berrada, director of football Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

While he will, over time, have the chance to bring his own players in, internally the feeling at United is that there are players at the club that can produce far more than they have shown so far. 

Amorim led Sporting to two domestic titles in his four years at the club and left in the midst of what was on course to be another successful campaign. 

Sporting sit six points clear at the top of the Portuguese top flight and second in the 36-team Champions League table.

Amorin will begin his tenure with a trip to Ipswich, who will have newfound confidence after their shock 2-1 win at Tottenham last time out. 

United start the weekend 13th in the Premier League table with just 15 points from their first 11 fixtures this season.

After taking on Ipswich, the Red Devils will host Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League four days later.

United have taken six points from a possible 12 in Europe so far this term, having drawn against Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce, before beating PAOK Salonika.