Joao Pereira Named Sporting CP Manager After Ruben Amorim Joins Manchester United

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Sporting CP has officially appointed Joao Pereira as head coach on a contract extending through 2027, following Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United. Pereira, a former Portugal international defender, is a familiar face to Sporting fans, having represented the club across three different stints, including a successful title-winning season under Amorim in 2020-2021.

After hanging up his boots, the 40-year-old Pereira transitioned into coaching, taking charge of Sporting's Under-23 and B teams. Reflecting on his appointment, Pereira expressed gratitude towards Sporting's president and board, highlighting how the club-shaped his professional life and career.

"As a player, Sporting offered me so much – a platform to represent my country, compete in top leagues and return home to Lisbon twice,” Pereira shared in a heartfelt news conference. “Although I only gave back a Super Cup and a national title, I want to repay them with even more as a coach because Sporting deserves it.”

Pereira acknowledged the legacy left by Amorim, who secured two league titles in his four-year tenure, including a historic 2021 victory that ended a 19-year title drought. Pereira emphasized his commitment to building on that legacy, remarking, "Ruben’s impact extends beyond trophies; he united the Sporting family. It’s a great responsibility to follow, but it comes with the ambition to keep Sporting a club with a winning future.”

Sporting currently leads the Primeira Liga, boasting a perfect record of 33 points from 11 games, ahead of Porto and Benfica. In the Champions League, they are second in their group, trailing Liverpool by two points after a memorable 4-1 victory over Manchester City in Amorim’s final home game.

Amorim, who is set to start his tenure at Manchester United after the international break, received words of admiration from Pereira. “Ruben welcomed me back here in 2021, and I’ll always appreciate his trust and vision.” With Pereira at the helm, Sporting fans hope to see a continuation of Amorim’s success and an exciting new chapter for the club.