Thierry Henry delivers Ruben Amorim Man United prediction after brutal claim

Thierry Henry has praised the work Ruben Amorim has done at Sporting CP but believes he will have a "tough task" to transform Manchester United's fortunes around.

United confirmed the appointment of Amorim on Friday after Erik ten Hag's departure earlier that week. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been tasked to lead United's matches on an interim basis up until the November international break before Amorim takes over ahead of the trip to Ipswich.

During his time at Sporting, Amorim has worked wonders. He guided them to their first league title in 19 years in 2020/21 and has won four major trophies across his four-and-a-half years in Lisbon. The 39-year-old has won 162 of his 229 matches and is set to arrive at United with an impressive reputation.

READ MORE: United have 13 questions to answer before Amorim era

READ MORE: Amorim learns 'first priority' at United

But while Henry is hoping Amorim will succeed, he is unsure if the Portuguese will be able to turn United's form and fortunes on its head. Speaking to CBS Sports, he said: "He is going to have to show that [he is the right man] and transform that team which we all know is difficult for everybody.

"He has done ever so well from the transition he has had, he was a good player because won the league with Benfica and won the cup with Braga. It's not always easy to go from Benfica to Sporting by the way, he did as a coach, won the league.

"I like the way he sets up his team. I like the way he recruits, he went to get players that you wouldn't go for. Having said that, what he is going to have to do with United, all the very best. I hope he can do it but that is going to be a tough task."

Meanwhile, after his appointment, Amorim said: "At the start of the season and the president is here to confirm it, I had a conversation with him and [Hugo] Viana and said that regardless of what happened, it would be my last season with Sporting.

"United became interested, paid the release clause and the president defended the club's interests. I never discussed anything with the president but my only request was that I wanted to leave at the end of the season. That wasn't possible, it was now or never.

"I had three days to decide on something that changes my life. It's not the first time I've had my release clause triggered by another club and not the second. I wanted that club and that context, just like when I joined Sporting. It's difficult for me to leave.

"I didn't say anything earlier because I couldn't. Decisions are like this. United showed interest and if I rejected it now, in six months, I knew I wouldn't be at Sporting. The only club that I want and that moved me.

"The time came for me to make a decision and I did. Now I go home feeling much more relieved. I would earn three times more with the last club that paid my release clause. I gave everything I had to Sporting."