“My wife gives me hard time. I always regret my decision that I almost rejected Manchester United. She makes my life a leaving heal”-Manchester United New coach Ruben Amorim reveals what he regrets about his wife and why he almost rejected Manchester United deal.
Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim Opens Up About Lifelong Regret His Wife Frequently Reminds Him Of
As Ruben Amorim gears up for his managerial debut with Manchester United against Ipswich Town this Sunday, the 39-year-old has taken a moment to reflect on a deeply personal regret—one that his wife, Maria João Diogo, never fails to bring up in their daily lives.
Amorim’s journey in football management has been a remarkable ascent. Starting his career at Casa Pia, a third-division Portuguese side, in 2018, he quickly gained attention for his tactical prowess and leadership skills. This success propelled him to Braga, where his performance caught the eye of Sporting Lisbon, who paid an €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause to secure his services. Since then, Amorim has continued to make waves in European football.
However, despite his achievements on the field and the sidelines, Amorim harbors one significant regret: his decision to leave school without completing his final exams.
“She Reminds Me Every Day”
In an interview with Expresso, a Portuguese newspaper, Amorim candidly spoke about his youthful choice and how it continues to be a source of lighthearted but persistent teasing from his wife, Maria.
“When I was younger, I had an agreement with my mother,” Amorim explained. “The plan was that I would stay in school until I signed a professional football contract. At 17, I got that contract and decided to leave school. Looking back, I regret it a lot. If I had stayed and completed my exams, I could have finished the 12th grade and maybe even gone to a top university.”
With a chuckle, he added, “My wife is an electrotechnical engineer, and she reminds me of this decision every single day.”
Maria João Diogo, whom Amorim married in the picturesque Palácio de S. Marcos church in Coimbra, holds an impressive degree in telecommunications engineering. She has since transitioned into the world of interior design, co-running a successful business called Dois Ton alongside Raquel Viana, the wife of Hugo Viana, Manchester City’s director of football.
A Fresh Start at Manchester United
Amorim’s down-to-earth demeanor, coupled with his innovative approach to management, has already struck a chord with those around him. In a recent profile by The Athletic, journalist Charlotte Harpur described what makes him stand out in the world of football management.
“It’s his charisma, his warmth, and his unique perspective,” Harpur noted. “When you meet him, it feels refreshing—especially when compared to the more intense and disciplined Erik ten Hag. Those close to Amorim believe he offers a new perspective, which Manchester United desperately needs as the club seeks a fresh start.”
This charm and originality have earned Amorim a reputation not only as one of Europe’s brightest coaching talents but also as someone deeply grounded in his experiences. His regret about leaving school and his ability to reflect on his past demonstrate a humility rarely seen in elite football.
Writing a New Chapter
As Amorim embarks on this significant chapter in his career, his rise from a 17-year-old footballer with incomplete schooling to a trailblazing manager carries a message of resilience and self-awareness. His story is one of contrasts—youthful decisions weighed against present-day wisdom, personal regrets juxtaposed with professional success.
For Manchester United, a club in dire need of reinvention, Amorim’s charisma and tactical ingenuity could be the ingredients for transformation. With his wife’s good-natured teasing keeping him grounded, he now faces the challenge of leading one of the world’s most storied clubs into a promising future.
