QUIQUE SANCHEZ FLORES has tipped Ruben Amorim to be a hit at Manchester United — because he knows what buttons to push with the modern-day footballer.
The Portuguese, 39, is tasked with reviving sacked manager Erik ten Hag’s squad when he leaves Sporting Lisbon to start work at Old Trafford a week tomorrow.
Spaniard Sanchez Flores managed Amorim when he played for Benfica in 2008-09.
The ex-Watford chief said: “I remember him as a clever, elegant and committed footballer. He was always close to his team-mates.
“The way his teams play reflects a high standard of discipline.
“He has a similar work ethic to former United manager Jose Mourinho. Only time will tell if Ruben can reach his level.
“But, more importantly, he understands the mentality of the players in this new generation.”
Asked whether Amorim can turn United’s hit-and-miss £64million striker Rasmus Hojlund into a deadly finisher like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with 59 goals in 65 outings for the club, Sanchez Flores quoted Rudyard Kipling.
He said: “With respect to Hojlund, the pack is the strength of the wolves. He is a good striker but he will only hit his high standards again if the team changes its level of performance.
“And Ruben now has the chance to train very good players in Manchester. Yes, he can do with Hojlund what he did with Gyokeres.”
RUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.
But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.
Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:
VIKTOR GYOKERES
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Cost: £84million
Swede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.
Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.
GONCALO INACIO
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Cost: £50million
Ball-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.
Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.
MORTEN HJULMAND
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Cost: £40million
Dane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.
He could be the man to replace Casemiro.
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Incredibly, Amorim kick-started his football career by playing in a trial at Portuguese club Belenenses with a BROKEN ARM!
His childhood friend Bruno Simao told the BBC: “I said I’d speak with the coach to fix up a game.
“Ruben replied, ‘I cannot play, I broke my arm’. I said, ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure the coach will see you’.
“Ruben was centre-back and the coaches told the players, ‘Take care of him because of his arm’.
“That was the start of his playing career.”
Antonio Veloso, a professor at the University of Lisbon where Amorim studied a degree in high performance coaching, added: “Ruben had a tremendous tactical knowledge and understanding of what coaching was about.”
