A former player of Ruben Amorim was left in tears after his departure
Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
11:05, 05 Jan 2026
Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United has come to an end(Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim’s mid-departure from Sporting CP to join Manchester United left Pedro Goncalves in tears. The Portuguese boss, who was sacked from Old Trafford on Monday morning, left Sporting last November to replace Erik ten Hag in an exit that resulted in Goncalves having to say goodbye to an individual he described as “like a father” to the squad.
Speaking last year in an interview with Canal 11, the 27-year-old heaped significant praise on Amorim for the role he played in his career, as he said: “I wouldn’t be here today [without him].
“We had a very strong bond, both professionally and personally. He liked my wife very much and was concerned about my well-being, both on the field and in my family life. He knew when players were happy or sad, and he knew exactly what to say.
“We were sad. I started crying because I really liked him, and I was sad. I never told him not to go; I wished him good luck. The players understood. He was like a father to us. We were sad, but we understood. I wish him the best of luck.”
Opening up on the repercussions Amorim’s exit had on Sporting, Goncalves added: “We were left without a coach, without a captain, without the forward, Paulinho, who gave us a lot and scored many decisive goals, plus Adan, who was an experienced goalkeeper.
READ MORE: Manchester United statement in full as reason for Ruben Amorim sacking revealedREAD MORE: Man Utd SACK Ruben Amorim after breakdown in board relations following explosive rant
“In the middle of the season, we felt we were missing some leadership. The team united, and it went well. Everyone tried to lead, and Morten started to emerge.” Amorim’s reign in Manchester lasted just 14 months, with his last game in charge being an uninspiring 1-1 draw away to Leeds United on Sunday.
It was Amorim’s extraordinary post-game rant, rather than the manner of United’s performance, that dominated headlines, as the 40-year-old sent a blunt message to the United hierarchy before his dismissal a day later.
Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
With his departure, ex-United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who is currently the coach of their under-18s, will take charge of their next Premier League match against Burnley on Wednesday.
The decision to part ways with Amorim was triggered by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. A statement announcing Amorim’s sacking from United read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
Pedro Goncalves was emotional upon Amorim’s departure from Sporting CP(Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/JAR Sport Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
“This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”
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