"They will think that the new Alex Ferguson has arrived" - Ruben Amorim on facing Guardiola's Manchester City in UCL ahead of Manchester United role

The new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will be facing Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 5. However, he will be representing Sporting CP in this fixture as his tenure at United will kickstart only on November 11.

Ahead of the City game in the continental tournament, Amorim spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on the game. Moreover, he made some interesting remarks about how fans' expectations can elevate in such conditions. He mentioned (via Nathan Salt on X):

"If the result [vs City] is negative, expectations will drop; if we win, they will think that the new Alex Ferguson has arrived! (laughs)... What interests me is to win, a good farewell in Alvalade, win in Braga and start a new adventure in Manchester."

Although Manchester City look a stronger team on paper, Sporting CP's form in the current season has been spectacular. They have won all 10 of their fixtures in the Liga Portugal. What makes it even more interesting is the goal difference. With Viktor Gyokeres leading the attacking third, Sporting have scored 35 goals in the domestic league and conceded only thrice.

Even in the UEFA Champions League, the new Manchester United boss' side have similar statistics as Manchester City. They have won two fixtures and drawn the other. The only statistic that differentiates City from Sporting is the former's goal difference. Pep Guardiola's contingent have scored nine goals and are yet to concede in the continental event, showcasing tremendous grit in defense.

Sporting, on the contrary, have scored five and conceded just one, which too is a great feat to accomplish so far.

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How have Manchester United performed before Ruben Amorim's arrival?

After Manchester United lost 2-1 to West Ham United in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag and the club parted ways. To fill in the immediate void, assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was given charge of the side. In his first fixture against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, the Dutchman's tactical acumen and Casemiro's brilliance helped United secure a 5-2 win.

This was one of the most convincing wins Manchester United achieved in the ongoing campaign, with the other coming against Barnsley on September 18 at the same competition. However, the Red Devils again slipped up in the Premier League. The Old Trafford witnessed United host Chelsea in an electrifying clash last weekend.

Despite skipper Bruno Fernandes handing them the lead from the spot in the 70th, the Red Devils could not hold on to the same. Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo equalized just four minutes later. As a result, the two teams received an equal share of the spoils.

With the result, United improved their rank to 13th in the Premier League table with 12 points from 10 matches.

Before Ruben Amorim completely takes charge at Manchester United, Van Nistelrooy will be managing the side in two more fixtures. On November 7, they will face PAOK in the Europa League and three days later on November 10, they will again meet Leicester City in the Premier League.