Ruben Amorim breaks his silence on claims he had been in talks to succeed Pep Guardiola at Man City – as the United boss prepares for his first Manchester derby

Ruben Amorim insists he never had any talks over succeeding Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking the job as Manchester United’s new head coach.

Amorim was strongly linked with a move to the Etihad if Guardiola decided to leave at the end of the season after it was confirmed that his close ally at Sporting Lisbon, Hugo Viana, is replacing Txiki Begiristain as sporting director at City in the summer.

But United moved for Amorim after they decided to sack Erik ten Hag in October, and Guardiola agreed to extend his contract at City.

As he prepares for his first Manchester derby at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon, Amorim categorically denied having any contact with City before joining United.

‘Never,’ he said. ‘Never heard from them and this was my only option. When Manchester United talked to me, I had no doubts. I had already something in my mind that (the United job) could be a possibility. With Manchester City or Viana? Nothing about that.’

The Portuguese was appointed United boss in October, and Guardiola ultimately signed a new two-year deal at the Etihad

Amorim will choose from a virtually fully-fit squad for the derby after confirming that Jonny Evans is available again after injury. 

That leaves just Luke Shaw as United’s only confirmed absentee as the England defender recovers from his latest muscle problem. ‘Everyone should be back. Evans is back in training,’ said Amorim.