I’m glad he left, and it’s made things much clearer for us. His departure was necessary for the team to move forward.” — Ruben Amorim’s blunt admission about a former Manchester United figure speaks volumes about the impact of his arrival at Old Trafford. Fans are relieved 🙌❤️

Ruben Amorim’s former teammate Jonas Gonçalves Oliveira, known as Jonas, has expressed his happiness over the success of the new Manchester United boss, adding that Amorim’s departure from Sporting CP might benefit their old club, Benfica.

Jonas, who played alongside Amorim at Benfica a decade ago, reminisced about their brief time as teammates, noting Amorim’s intelligence and welcoming nature. “He was the first to greet me in Lisbon and told me I would thrive at Benfica,” Jonas shared on the Zuca e Tuga podcast. “We only played together for one season, but Ruben was always a sharp, thoughtful player.”

Having made 183 appearances for Benfica across five seasons, Jonas still holds affection for the club. Jokingly, he admitted that Amorim leaving Sporting CP might give Benfica a better chance in the Primeira Liga, highlighting Amorim’s reputation as a top-tier coach. “I’m happy for his success because he’s a great person. But yes, I’m glad he left Sporting—it’s good for Benfica,” he added.

Amorim, 39, also spent nine years at Benfica as a player, amassing 154 appearances before retiring in 2017 to begin a coaching career that surprised Jonas. “I never expected him to become a coach, but as a player, he had exceptional game intelligence. You could tell he was different,” Jonas noted.

Amorim’s rise through the coaching ranks has been meteoric. He impressed at Casa Pia and Braga B before taking charge of Sporting in 2020, where he led the club to two Primeira Liga titles and two Taca da Liga trophies. His tactical acumen quickly garnered attention across Europe, paving the way for his move to Old Trafford.

While Amorim’s start at Manchester United has been mixed—managing a draw against Ipswich Town and a comeback win over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League—his track record suggests promise. As United prepare for crucial matches against Everton and Arsenal, fans remain hopeful that their new manager will bring long-term success.

Ruben Amorim’s transition from Sporting CP to Manchester United has been a significant talking point in European football, with his former teammate Jonas Gonçalves Oliveira, known simply as Jonas, offering a unique perspective on Amorim’s journey. Reflecting on their shared time at Benfica, Jonas praised Amorim’s intelligence and leadership qualities, even jokingly suggesting that his departure from Sporting CP could benefit their mutual former club, Benfica, in the Primeira Liga.

Jonas highlighted Amorim’s sharp tactical mind and thoughtful approach, traits that have defined his meteoric rise in coaching. Amorim’s tenure at Sporting was marked by considerable success, including two Primeira Liga titles and domestic cup triumphs, achievements that paved the way for his move to Old Trafford.

At Manchester United, Amorim has already showcased his resilience, managing a Europa League comeback win against Bodo/Glimt. However, with high-stakes matches against Everton and Arsenal on the horizon, the pressure remains on the 39-year-old to prove his capabilities in the Premier League.

Jonas’s comments underscore the respect Amorim commands among former teammates and hint at his potential to bring innovative strategies to United. While challenges remain, Amorim’s track record and tactical acumen provide hope for a promising future at Old Trafford.