Ruben Amorim is so irresistible that Cristiano Ronaldo gave him this unique nickname while playing together: Marcus Alves

Journalist Marcus Alves has revealed the interesting nickname Cristiano Ronaldo gave to new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. The ex-Sporting manager had an impressive way with words, leading the Portuguese superstar to give him the nickname 'poet'.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Alves said:

"On the pitch, he has always delivered. Not even the constant sales in the transfer market have proved to be a problem for him."

"Under Amorim, no player is irreplaceable and more important than the club. The Manchester United job may look like an impossible one right now, but so did Sporting’s when Amorim was unveiled as their head coach on March 5 2020."

"Eloquent and outgoing, Amorim is irresistible and dominates the words in such a way that Cristiano Ronaldo used to call him 'poet' in the national team."

Amorim had a decent playing career featuring for the likes of Benfica and Braga while also making 14 appearances with the senior national side. There, he shared the pitch with Ronaldo on eight occasions, notably featuring in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Following his retirement in 2017, he began his coaching career, moving up through the ranks of Portuguese football before taking up the reins at Sporting in 2020.

Amorim led the side to their first league title in 19 years in 2021 before picking up a second last season. The Portuguese side have begun in fine form this season as well, winning all nine of their league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just twice.

PSG star opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo's availability for 2026 World Cup

Vitinha expects the 39-year-old to continue.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has backed national team hero Cristiano Ronaldo to be a vital part of the team in the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old heaped praise on the Al-Nassr star's commitment and professionalism.

He said (via RMC):

"39 years old and still a starter for the national team, I have no explanation for this longevity. I imagine it's the professionalism he has in everything he does. Every morning, every night, every day of his career, it's incredible. I imagine the effort and sacrifices he must make and has made and that's what keeps him going at 39."

"Fortunately, I've had plenty of years to enjoy the national team with him... but of course he's going to be at the 2026 World Cup, he's not going to give up,” Vitinha added.

The forward's last foray for the national team in a major tournament was largely forgettable as he failed to bag a single goal for Portugal in the 2024 Euros. The Selecao exited the tournament in the quarter-final stage, losing to France on penalties.

Ronaldo will be seeking to become the first player in history to make an appearance in six separate World Cups. In all, he has made 22 appearances across all editions, collecting eight goals and two assists.