“I Only Visited Sullivan for a Chat, Nothing Serious”
Amorim Dismisses West Ham Rumors in Odd Comment
After Ruben Amorim’s recent appointment as Manchester United manager, he seems almost embarrassed to admit he once entertained talks with West Ham. The change in leadership at Old Trafford has become oddly intertwined with West Ham’s fortunes, as United’s decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag was seemingly triggered by their 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium last week. Despite what should have been a comfortable win for United, the Hammers managed an unexpected victory, sparking discussions that ultimately cost Ten Hag his position.
Interestingly, the Hammers were encouraged by their markedly improved performance in the second half under Julen Lopetegui, a manager who himself was once linked to Manchester United. For now, though, Lopetegui remains with West Ham, while United have appointed Amorim—a manager once at the top of West Ham’s wishlist, much to the disappointment of many Hammers fans.
Amorim, meanwhile, has sparked excitement among United fans, who see him as a bright, innovative coach. This sense of anticipation among United supporters mirrors the feelings West Ham fans had when they first heard of Amorim’s meeting with the Hammers’ board regarding a potential move to replace David Moyes. Yet, despite initial enthusiasm, the talks between Amorim and West Ham stalled, and Amorim ultimately apologized to Sporting fans for considering the opportunity. The reasons for the breakdown reportedly included financial concerns, with West Ham majority owner David Sullivan balking at the substantial release clause and salary demands for Amorim and his team.
However, Sullivan’s camp insists that the decision wasn’t purely financial; they saw Amorim as a gamble, noting his limited experience outside of his native Portugal. Sullivan’s spokesman remarked that West Ham believed Amorim was unproven outside Sporting, adding a layer of caution to their assessment.
Amorim himself has since commented on his brief West Ham connection, appearing to downplay it significantly. In what many see as an odd and almost dismissive statement, Amorim claimed he had flown to London merely for a casual chat with Sullivan, not to negotiate for a managerial role. Journalist Ben Jacobs shared Amorim’s remarks on social media, quoting the new United boss: “I went to England, but I didn’t go to negotiate—only to meet the owner. I had already decided to stay at Sporting. If people think I wanted to leave, there’s nothing I can do about that.” The comments paint a picture of Amorim attempting to distance himself from West Ham, positioning his association with the club as almost incidental.
This denial, however, has left fans and critics skeptical. It seems implausible to many that Amorim would have traveled over 2,000 miles simply to inform a prospective employer he wasn’t interested in the job. The notion of “just a chat” at Sullivan’s residence feels unconvincing, especially since Sullivan has previously acknowledged that the meeting was essentially an interview. He remarked that, while they respected Amorim, they ultimately chose Lopetegui for the role.
In any case, Amorim’s comments serve to close the chapter on his brief flirtation with West Ham. Now, as he settles into one of the most prominent managerial roles in the world, he seems eager to cast aside his connection to the Hammers, preferring to focus on the immense challenge awaiting him at Manchester United. For West Ham fans, the Amorim saga may feel like a missed opportunity, but it may also provide a final bit of closure as the club moves forward under Lopetegui’s leadership.
