Ruben Amorim expresses excitement to coach ‘incredible’ Man United star following Erik ten Hag’s decision to overlook him.

Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has shared his excitement about reuniting with Manuel Ugarte at Old Trafford.

Amorim will officially start his role next week after managing his final game for Sporting CP this weekend. His first match with United is set for November 24, an away fixture against newly-promoted Ipswich Town.

Despite his start date being November 11, the 39-year-old seems to be already evaluating his new team, expressing enthusiasm about working with Ugarte again. The two previously won the Primeira Liga title together at Sporting CP in 2023. Speaking to TNT Sports on Friday, Amorim said, “All the Uruguayans I managed are incredible, and that’s why I love all Uruguayans… Ugarte is very talented and has a lot of potential. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Manchester United!”

Since his £50 million move from Paris Saint-Germain in August, Ugarte, a 23-year-old Uruguay international, has had limited playing time. He was given just one start before Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October, but interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has since started him in all three of his matches.

Ugarte’s strong performance in United’s recent 2-0 victory over PAOK drew praise from Paul Scholes, who commented, “Casemiro and Ugarte—this could be the start of something. Looking forward to Amorim, it looks like a partnership that could work well. I think it will give Bruno more freedom further up the pitch.”

Van Nistelrooy will take charge of his last match for United on Sunday when Leicester City visits Old Trafford.