'Without fear' - Ruben Amorim gives exciting answer about his Manchester United style of play

Manchester United's new head coach Ruben Amorim wants his teams to 'control the ball without fear'.

Erik ten Hag was sacked at the beginning of last week after overseeing United's worst start to a Premier League campaign and the club moved swiftly to appoint his successor.

Amorim has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, which expires in the summer of 2027, and United believe they now have one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe.

The 39-year-old led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during his first full season in charge and has been praised for his tactical nous. Amorim likes to play with a 3-4-3 formation and his Sporting Lisbon side tends to dominate possession but use the ball effectively.

ALSO READ: United have discovered a new undroppable player

ALSO READ: Van Nistelrooy defends two players United signed for £78m

Amorim will officially begin work at United on November 11, which means he'll join during the international break, and he'll manage his first game against Ipswich Town.

However, he is currently serving a notice period at Sporting and will manage the Portuguese side at home against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Amorim spoke to TNT Sports ahead of that clash and said: "It's been tough, the worst and best week of my life. I don't have another way to explain it. Very tough because I'm leaving a very good place but I'm going to one of the best clubs in the world so it has been very tough but it is what it is.

"It's just another game as a Sporting coach and I will be judged as a Sporting coach. For me, it's a massive game against the best coach in the world. I know that is tough for Manchester United fans.

"And I think they are the best team in the world, so it's going to be a tough game. We are near the qualification for play-off, so this game is very important. It's my last game in Alvalade.

"I know everybody in England is looking and taking ideas for this game, but for me, it's just that, it's my last game as Sporting coach and I will focus on that.

"I think it's tough to say that [looking forward to coming against Guardiola more], I think it's very challenging but not just Pep, all the best coaches are in England, so it's a different world.

"In Portugal, you have the top three teams and you control most games, but there it's a different world and I need that as a coach now. To say I'm looking forward to a challenge like that, maybe not [laughs]."

Amorim was quizzed about his style of play at Sporting and added: "Like I said, I'm more worried about my players feeling comfortable to play football to win the game than showing something to the English fans and the English media. My focus is on my Sporting players here.

"I think we have the talent to play well but they have to feel comfortable, so that is my focus. I understand there are going to be a lot of people judging my team and judging my work in only one game.

"I know that, but I'm not thinking about it. I'm just focussing on my players and the quality of the team. Of course, I want a team that can control the ball without fear but we will see tomorrow."

Amorim was heavily linked with replacing Pep Guardiola at City and his close friend Hugo Viana, who has worked as Sporting's director of football, is set to move to the Etihad.

"We will be friends until the end, but I have my way and I choose Manchester United," said Amorim. "Manchester United is my club and Manchester City is his club, so it's going to be fun.

"I hope to help Manchester United to improve and he will do the same, although it's hard to improve in Manchester City at the moment. I choose my path and that's United."