'Fanatical about winning'

Amorim has described Mourinho, who managed United from 2016 to 2018, as his reference, but he admits Jesus — now guiding Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia — impacted him more than any other coach after he spent seven years under his stewardship.

"It is funny, because as a player, I had lots of problems with Jesus, albeit other players did too, because Jesus is a coach who wears you out," Amorim recalled.

"He is a real perfectionist. I worked with him for a long time, and it is obvious that what I demand of players is quite similar to him."

Amorim, who appeared for Portugal at two World Cups, began coaching in 2018 at age 33, at Lisbon club Casa Pia, and his rise since has been astronomic.

He won the third-tier title there, but didn't have the necessary coaching qualifications to progress and left in early 2019.

Amorim really began his steep ascent upon joining Braga, managing its B team before being handed the first-team reins in December 2019.

He did so well that Sporting swooped, paying his 10-million-euro release clause.

Sporting had not won the Portuguese title since 2002, and its supporters had some concerns about his Benfica past.

"I am a professional, and I am fanatical about winning. I know how big this club is. I played against them. I am not hiding my past," he said at his unveiling.

In his first full season, Sporting won the title, losing just one game.

Amorim, who favors an intense pressing game, then took Sporting to the last 16 of the Champions League.

He won a second Portuguese title last season, and players such as English forward Marcus Edwards and Swede Viktor Gyokeres have flourished under him.

AFP