Rubèn Amorim Spotted on Padel Court Amidst Break from Management
Former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has been seen enjoying a more relaxed pace of life, recently spotted playing padel with long-time colleague Hugo Viana in Portugal. This sighting comes as Amorim continues to take time away from the dugout since his departure from Old Trafford in January.
The 41-year-old Portuguese coach has maintained a low profile following his dismissal from Manchester United, which reportedly came with a substantial £12 million severance package. His 14-month tenure at the club was an eventful one, ultimately concluding after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leeds. This result, coupled with a series of disagreements with the club’s hierarchy, marked the end of his time in charge.
Since Amorim’s exit, Manchester United has seen a notable upturn in form under the guidance of his successor, Michael Carrick. The team has secured seven victories in ten matches during Carrick’s stewardship, following a brief interim period with Darren Fletcher at the helm for two games.
However, Amorim appeared unfazed by United’s improved performances, as evidenced by his cheerful demeanour during a padel match with Viana. The pair, who share a close bond forged during their time as teammates at Braga, were photographed enjoying the sunshine at Padel Expo, a sports complex located in Lisbon.
The sports club shared the image on social media, adding a light-hearted caption that playfully suggested they had attempted to recruit him to their coaching staff. “We tried to contact you to strengthen our coaching staff, but it wasn’t to be this time! Thank you very much for your visit Rúben Amorim and Hugo Viana, it was a pleasure to have you at Padel Expo,” the post read.
Hugo Viana, who previously served as the director of football that brought Amorim to Sporting Lisbon, has since taken on a prominent role as sporting director for Manchester City. The former Newcastle United midfielder has been instrumental in overseeing a significant rebuilding phase for Pep Guardiola’s squad, with the arrivals of talented players such as Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo, and Marc Guéhi occurring during his tenure.
Amorim and Viana enjoyed considerable success as a pairing at Sporting Lisbon, clinching five trophies together, including two Portuguese league titles. Even after Amorim’s move to Manchester United, it is understood that the two maintained their friendship, spending time together despite Amorim’s responsibilities at Old Trafford and Viana’s commitments in Manchester.
This appearance at the padel club follows Amorim’s more public, albeit unexpected, presence at the Qatar Open last month. He was captured on camera watching Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Karen Khachanov. As the match reached its climax in the final set, the television coverage panned to Amorim, much to the surprise of the Sky Sports commentators.
“Oh, it’s Rúben Amorim,” one commentator remarked, with his co-commentator adding, “He’s got a bit of time on his hands these days. Enjoying the tennis, the former manager of Manchester United.”
Amorim appeared relaxed and at ease as he observed the tennis match from what seemed to be a private viewing area.
Amorim’s career path has seen him manage Casa Pia, Braga, and Sporting Lisbon after retiring from playing at the relatively young age of 32. Since his departure from Manchester United, he has been linked with a number of managerial vacancies. However, his recent activities suggest he is embracing a well-deserved break from the pressures of professional football management.
His presence in Lisbon also comes at a time when one of his former players, Matheus Cunha, has publicly expressed his gratitude towards Amorim. Cunha recently credited Amorim with playing a significant role in Manchester United’s subsequent improved form.
“I’ve always been very grateful for everything Rúben did,” Cunha told DAZN. “I think it’s very easy, when things change, to see the past as only problems, but it’s quite the opposite; he was an incredible person. Many new players came because of him, so I think he also plays a big part in the success we are having now.”
Amorim’s continued enjoyment of his time off the pitch, whether on the padel court or at sporting events, indicates a period of reflection and rejuvenation before he potentially considers his next move in the demanding world of football management.
