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Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has responsed to claims that he had been in the running to replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Portuguese tactician is preparing for a second meeting with Guardiola in just over a month and his first Manchester derby on Sunday, December 15.
Ruben Amorim did excellent work in Portugal with Sporting CP, leading them to the Primeira Liga title in the 2023-24 season. The 39-year-old was immediately linked with a move to England, holding meetings with the West Ham United board. Links to Manchester City grew stronger a few months into the 2024-25 season. It came after the English champions announced the imminent arrival of Sporting director Hugo Viana in the same role.
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Amorim ended up at Manchester United after the sacking of Erik ten Hag earlier this season. Meanwhile, the Cityzens retained the services of Guardiola, who penned an extension. At his press conference before the Manchester derby on Sunday, the Portuguese revealed that he never had any sort of contact with the champions.
"Never. 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 could be a possibility. With Manchester City or Viana? Nothing about that," Amorim said (via UtdDistrict).
Ruben Amorim has already faced Manchester City once this season, in the UEFA Champions League in his final home game as manager of Sporting. He masterminded an impressive 4-1 win in the game and will be looking to repeat the trick on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Guardiola's side have lost seven of their last 10 games across all competitions, including the defeat to Amorim's Sporting. With just one win in this time, they are not favored to emerge with all three points at the Etihad.
Veteran defender closing in on Manchester United return against Manchester City
Experienced Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is set for a late fitness test ahead of his side facing Manchester City in the Premier League. The veteran is out with an injury, last appearing in Ruben Amorim's first game on November 24 at Ipswich.
Amorim revealed in his press conference that the 36-year-old centre-back has returned to training with the side and could be involved in the derby. He said that he has everyone else fit and ready to play against City on Sunday.
"But I think everyone is going to be fit and ready to win the game. [Jonny Evans?] Yeah, he's training already," Amorim said (via Centre Devils).
Evans has already made 11 appearances for the Red Devils this season, six of which have come in the Premier League. The return to fitness of the experienced defender will provide more defensive options for the coach in the game against their rivals.
