Ruben Amorim statement from Man City star shows true feelings of Man Utd's rivals

Bernardo Silva has expressed mixed feelings about move to The star has hailed his countryman's coaching ability but stopped short of wishing him well at Old Trafford.

Silva, who has close ties to Sporting through family and friends, recognises the transformative effect Amorim has had on the Lisbon club. In his words, they have become a "machine" during his tenure.

Silva, who came through the ranks at Benfica, scored twice in City's 5-0 win away to Sporting two years ago. However, he is expecting a much tougher test for Pep Guardiola's side in Lisbon tonight (Tuesday).

"Before he arrived Sporting didn't win the league for nearly 20 years but since he's been there with the president and the sporting director it looks like they all went in the same direction," said Bernardo ahead of the Champions League clash.

"When that happens and people are competent and have the same idea and go the same way, the chances of doing well are much higher. As a manager, tactically, you can see that he's really good, the way he prepares his teams.

"Sporting are a big machine right now. I only have compliments because they've been flying in the Portuguese league. It's going to be very tough to beat them.

"In terms of him going to Manchester United, I don't wish him well but he deserves to be in one of the best clubs in the world right now because of the work that he has done for the last few years. He will be a rival but I am glad someone else from Portugal is in the best league in the world."

Silva's comments sum up just how deep-rooted United and City's rivalry is - but the Portuguese star's compliments of the Red Devils' new boss will be like music to the ears of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co, who had to make a big appointment and turned to Amorim after Erik ten Hag left the club in a crisis.

Amorim, who has two games left as Sporting boss before taking charge at United next week, insists he is still fully focused on his current club. He stressed: "The focus is on winning the game for Sporting.

"After that, the inferences that people will draw from this game are not important to me because they could be misleading. If the result is negative, expectations will drop.

"If we win they will think that the That will be very difficult to live up to. I don't think about that. What interests me is to win."