After United paid Sporting around £9.25 million, Amorim signed a contract to become their new manager. However, he won’t officially take charge until November 11.
Until then, he is still managing the Lisbon team, which he has led to two Portuguese league titles, for their final two games.
His last home game will be a Champions League match against United’s rivals, Manchester City, before he heads to his former club, Braga, on Sunday.
During a pre-match news conference on Monday, Amorim emphasized that he remains focused on the present moment.
When Cotterill remarked, “You could be a hero even before you fly to Manchester,” Amorim replied in Portuguese, “Have you thought about that?”
Amorim politely responded, “I apologize, but I cannot speak English.” Adding that he will be missed in Portugal, he said he must continue speaking Portuguese.
Cotterill described Amorim’s stance as “a cold shoulder to all your English supporters” after the press officer clarified that he would be able to speak English if he joined United.
