He is currently one of the most talented young coaches in the world and the man holding the keys to Manchester United, but once upon a time, Ruben Amorim was better known for his jokes than for his tactics.At least, that’s according to his former teammate, Roderick Miranda, who admitted he was stunned that a prankster could become a Premier League manager.We need to survive this seasonSpeaking to Flashscore Australia, Miranda said: “I never thought he’d become a coach! Not because of his football skills or his intelligence, but because he was the changing room clown. He had a really fun personality and was always doing something to make people laugh. When I heard he started as a coach, I was a little bit surprised and wondered how the guy I played with could become so serious! But he was a very intelligent player. He could play in many different positions, so maybe that’s why he’s a brilliant coach—because he has such a great understanding of the game.”Both Amorim and Miranda came through Benfica’s youth academy and played together. Now 40 years old, Amorim had a respectable career as a midfielder, playing for Belenenses, Benfica, Braga, and Al-Wakrah, while also earning 14 caps for the Portuguese national team between 2010 and 2014.Dressing room sources tell me the players are behind Amorim, that he communicates with them really well and everyone is hurting as they try to turn things round together— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) February 18, 2025 Meanwhile, Roderick is now the captain of Melbourne Victory and believes the Portuguese coach is finally getting the recognition he deserves.”At Wolves, we had a couple of seasons where I think we finished sixth or seventh and got a Europa League spot, so he’s already shown what he can do.”FA CUP – QUARTER-FINALSSaturday Fulham – Crystal Palace 0-3 (0-2)/Eze 34, Sarr 38, Nketiah 75/Brighton – Nott. Forest 0-0Nottingham win 4-3 after penalty shootoutSunday 15.30: (7.50) Preston (4.50) Aston Villa (1.43)18.30: (2.85) Bournemouth (3.90) Man.City (2.35)***odds are subject to change***
