Ruben Amorim's first words after being appointed as new Manchester United head coach

Ruben Amorim has admitted it was far from a usual week following his appointment as Manchester United's new head coach.

United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday morning and quickly identified Sporting Lisbon chief Amorim as their top target to replace the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

The 39-year-old, who spent north of four-and-a-half years in charge in the Portuguese capital, has signed a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, with a club option of an additional year.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim can compete with Real Madrid to solve United problem position

READ MORE: Three ways United could line up under Ruben Amorim with formation change

Regarded as one of Europe's brightest and most coveted coaches, Amorim won five major trophies during his time at Sporting, including two league titles. He was also twice named Primeira Liga Manager of the Season.

Amorim will officially start work at United on November 11 and will take charge for the first time when the Reds face Ipswich Town at Portman Road on November 24.

In his first press conference since becoming United boss, Amorim admitted: "It was a very unusual week. I understand the anger of some fans and the disappointment. But that's life. I was moved by the ovation and that's how it is. I'm very grateful to the fans and to everything here. People think I wanted to leave straight away [after the final whistle] I only go to thank the fans when we are losing.

"In the next home game, whether we win or lose by 15-0, I'll be there to see what the fans want to give me. I understand their anger, but we move on and time heals everything. It was the best period of my life."

On the United job specifically, Amorim added: "At the start of the season and the president is here to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and [Hugo] Viana and said that regardless of what happened, it would be my last season with Sporting.

"United became interested, paid the release clause and the president defended the club's interests. I never discussed anything with the president but my only request was that I wanted to leave at the end of the season. That wasn't possible, it was now or never.

"I had three days to decide on something that changes my life. It's not the first time I've had my release clause triggered by another club and not the second. I wanted that club and that context, just like when I joined Sporting. It's difficult for me to leave.

"I didn't say anything earlier because I couldn't. Decisions are like this. United showed interest and if I rejected it now, in six months, I knew I wouldn't be at Sporting. The only club that I want and that moved me.

"The time came for me to make a decision and I did. Now I go home feeling much more relieved. I would earn three times more with the last club that paid my release clause. I gave everything I had to Sporting."

Amorim becomes United's sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and he will be tasked with trying to return to the club it's former glories.

United are currently 14th in the Premier League table after winning just three of their opening nine matches this season. Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee Sunday's clash with Chelsea and the following Sunday's meeting with Leicester City, both at Old Trafford, as well as the midweek Europa League clash with Greek side PAOK.