'He's not ready' — Barcelona's sporting director explains why he rejected Ruben Amorim for Hansi Flick

In the wake of Ruben Amorim's appointment as the next Manchester United head coach, quotes from Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, on the Portuguese tactician are making the rounds. 

Following the controversial defeat to West Ham, the INEOS-led Manchester United hierarchy opted to fire Erik ten Hag, and they named his assistant Ruud Van Nistelrooy as interim manager. 

They promised to announce a permanent replacement quickly, and they have expedited the process. True to their words, they quickly reached an agreement with Sporting and Amorim for the 39-year-old to leave the Portuguese club mid-season and transfer to Old Trafford. 

Sporting want Amorim to oversee the big Champions League clash against Manchester City and the top-of-table face-off against Braga before leaving; hence, he is expected to resume at Manchester United after the November international break. 

Amorim has been on the radar of many top clubs in recent years. One such club was Barcelona, as his name was in the mix when Xavi’s exit was imminent. 

However, Deco immediately poured cold water on the rumours at the time, citing the coach’s inexperience. Those quotes are now making the rounds on the internet, with Manchester United having taken the chance with Amorim. 

“A Portuguese coach? How many Portuguese coaches are prepared for the weight and responsibility of taking charge of Barcelona, especially this Barcelona with all the difficulties that entail,” he said, per Diario Sport. 

“I know that Rúben Amorim is doing a good job at Sporting and that, in addition, he plays with a similar style to ours, but he also has very little experience.”