Ruben Amorim hails ‘very talented boy’ he can’t wait to manage when he begins duties as Manchester United boss

Ruben Amorim has singled out a member of Manchester United‘s squad he is excited to manage when he begins duties at Old Trafford next week. 

The Portuguese boss will take charge of his final Sporting CP match on Sunday before he starts work in Manchester following his appointment earlier this month. 

And he will be reunited with a couple of players he has managed in the past. Skipper Bruno Fernandes and defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte both enjoyed spells under the 39-year-old in the Portuguese capital. 

Speaking ahead of Sporting’s trip to Braga on Sunday, Amorim highlighted the Uruguayan and revealed that he is delighted to be able to work with the 23-year-old once again. 

‘All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible and that’s why I love them.’ Amorim said. ‘Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow.

The 23-year-old has failed to impress in a red Devils shirt since joining the club from PSG in the summer

Ugarte attracted the attention of elite European clubs during his time under Amorim’s management at Sporting

‘I am very happy to know that I have him back at Man United.’ 

Ugarte has had a testing start to life at the club following his big-money move from PSG in the summer.  

Ahead of Amorim’s arrival, United have been handed a timely double injury boost with two key first-team stars nearing a return to full fitness ahead of the international break.

United’s dismal start to the new Premier League season has seen them suffer hard-hitting defeats against the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham prior to Erik ten Hag being sacked.

The Dutchman’s dugout exit coincided with a host of injuries to key players, most notably in defence where the Red Devils have conceded 12 goals in 10 games and have a goal difference of -3.

Their defensive struggles have been made worse by summer acquisition Matthijs de Ligt struggling to deliver on the potential he arrived with, while veteran defender Jonny Evans has played more games than supporters expected him to.

In midfield, United have struggled in the absence of Kobbie Mainoo after the England breakthrough star suffered a muscle injury in October, but is nearing a return to fitness. 

Harry Maguire and Toby Collyer have both been absent in recent weeks after suffering respective injuries but are now close to being integrated back into the first-team. 

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of his final game as interim boss on Sunday when the Red Devils welcome Leicester to Old Trafford.