The time Ruben Amorim got the last laugh over Sir Alex Ferguson and Man United as a player

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United and Ruben Amorim’s paths first crossed over a decade before he replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.

Against his will, Amorim was parachuted into a crisis at Manchester United last November and led them to a dismal 15th-placed finish in the Premier League, as well as a defeat in the Europa League final.

This season has only been a slight improvement, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still fully behind the head coach. He also openly declared that he is determined to give him three years in the job.

However, supporters may not realise that Ruben Amorim once enjoyed a successful playing career in Portugal, before hanging up his boots in 2017 at the age of 32.

During his time on the pitch, he pitted his skills against United on four different occasions.

Ruben Amorim’s four matches against Man United

Amorim was part of the Benfica side that played United in the Champions League group stage in the 2011-12 campaign and progressed to the knockouts to the chagrin of Sir Alex Ferguson.

He started on the right wing and played 56 minutes of the first match in Lisbon, which ended 1-1 after Ryan Giggs struck to cancel out Oscar Cardozo’s opening goal.

Amorim was then brought on as a late substitute in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in November.

Benfica ultimately went on to finish top of the group and reached the quarter-finals, where they were eventually knocked out by Chelsea, who won the competition.

Contrastingly, United ended up third in their group and dropped down into the Europa League.

Amorim played United twice the following season, this time with Braga. The Red Devils won both group games, taking a 3-2 victory on the road and triumphing 3-1 at home.

Man United legend handed Amorim World Cup shot

A well-known former United coach was also instrumental in kick-starting Amorim’s international career for Portugal ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Amorim was not included in the initial squad named for the tournament in South Africa, but was given a reprieve after Red Devils winger Nani suffered a collarbone injury in training.

Ferguson’s trusted lieutenant Carlos Queiroz was in charge of Portugal at the time and had been impressed with the then 25-year-old Amorim’s performances for Benfica.

After joining up with his compatriots, Amorim played in the goalless group stage draw with the Ivory Coast.