Ruben Amorim's upset reaction in training explains why Man Utd sacked Erik ten Hag

Ruben Amorim’s fiery passion for football often saw him wear his heart on his sleeve during his playing days – and explains why Manchester United brought him in for Erik ten Hag. The new Red Devils boss is just a day away from his managerial debut with the Premier League titans against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

The 39-year-old, who carved out a 13-year career on the pitch primarily in his native Portugal with Benfica and the national team, aside from a short spell at Qatari side Al-Wakrah, is known for his intense desire to win, a trait that will undoubtedly excite the Old Trafford faithful.

Amorim’s former coach at Al-Wakrah, Mauricio Larriera, reminisced about the Portuguese’s time in Qatar, particularly highlighting his fervent attitude during training sessions. Speaking to O Jogo, Larriera revealed: “He always played very well, but unfortunately he was sent off in one game.

“No, in two. And he apologised to me for it. It’s part of the game, but he was even more upset than me when things didn’t work out. The impotence he felt overcame him.

“In one game he got two yellows and we ended up losing. In the other it was for a foul, a bit due to tiredness and a bit due to impotence. He felt very powerless. In training he’d get upset and we’d say to him, ‘Ruben, please don’t get upset’. Sometimes it was him, ‘Mauricio, please don’t get upset’.

“He didn’t understand certain things, Qatar was in the process of growth. When he was angry, I’d hug him and say, ‘relax, Qatar is like that’. He’d tell me the same thing,” reports the Mirror. The former Sporting Lisbon boss’ infectious passion has been a sideline spectacle throughout his tenure, often seen igniting vigour into his team.