RUBEN AMORIM smiled when Man United’s soon-to-be manager was asked what he likes about the Premier League and said: “Everything”.
One of Europe’s most sought-after young coaches clearly wanted to expand on SunSport’s question here in Lisbon.
But he found himself in an utterly ridiculous situation before he left the media room at Sporting’s training ground.
Amorim has promised he will be able to talk more freely about his impending job at Old Trafford after Friday's Primeira Liga match at home to Estrela Amadora.
Yet already, it is clear that this bloke is proper box office.
And it is blindingly obvious he is relishing the chance of getting to grips with English football.
His pre-match press conferences at the club’s training base — the Academia Cristiano Ronaldo — are such a terrific watch that on social media, there is a countdown clock for each of his media briefings.
Entertaining press conferences? Does this remind you of another coach from Portugal?
Indeed, Jose Mourinho was 41 when he announced he was the Special One after arriving at Chelsea.
Amorim will head to Old Trafford even younger, aged 39.
Mourinho’s birthday is on January 26, while Amorim’s is on January 27, but it looks as though he will follow in his fellow countryman’s footsteps in all sorts of ways.
Even though Amorim has been unable to confirm he is heading to England, his two press conferences since the United news emerged have been fascinating.
He has a twinkle in his eye, a good sense of humour, answers most questions in great detail and is obviously a terrific communicator in perfect English.
He will certainly need those skills at Old Trafford, in both the way he deals with the playing staff, the board members and how he talks to the fans.
Mourinho often used his press conferences — in fact he still does — with a clear plan of what he wants to say.
He releases certain messages to his own players, opponents and the supporters. Amorim is the same.
Erik ten Hag handled himself impressively throughout his time at Manchester United but he was lacking in charisma.
Amorim has an aura, just like Mourinho.
His career has been on an upwards trajectory so it has been an easy ride so far.
There have certainly been no touchline histrionics like a certain other coach.
It will also be fascinating how he deals with a run of poor results.
Or when he is thrown a curveball, like a star player doing something stupid like going on a booze bender in Belfast.
What is crazy, though, is Sporting president Frederico Varandas has insisted that Amorim stays for the next three games.
Firstly, Friday's local derby, then Tuesday’s home Champions League game with Manchester City and the trip to Braga on November 10.
Amorim did not watch United’s win over Leicester on Wednesday because he was studying City in their Carabao Cup defeat at Spurs.
And this City match really is rotten timing for Amorim.
Despite boasting a 100 per cent record in the league, Sporting have also done well in the Champions League and are currently unbeaten in eighth place.
But what happens if Sporting are taken apart by City?
If Amorim engineers a famous win, then this will enhance his burgeoning reputation.
But if Sporting are thrashed 5-0 and Erling Haaland scores another hat-trick, which is hardly out of the question, then United’s fans will be forced to welcome a manager who has just been out-smarted by Pep Guardiola. Not a good start.
Amorim often talks about stability and he was asked about the prospect of leaving his comfort zone at yesterday's press conference.
He was also quizzed about playing a part in his backroom staff enjoying life-changing pay rises by going to Old Trafford.
As for a change in scenery, he said: “I think all coaches need that.
“I don’t want to go into too much detail. Staff? We have very good conditions here.
“Six years ago we were at Casa Pia and we were almost paid to work. It’s not about money.
“When I said staff, staff involves a lot more people. Physiotherapists, wardrobe assistants. Not just the staff you’re referring to.
“It’s hard to find these environments. That was one of the reasons I always wanted to stay here.
“It was the people I work with. Stability.
“I think that in everyone’s life there are times when we’re doing really well, but then we want something more, maybe to prove something more.”
Amorim is about to get that chance.
The problem is that inherits a dysfunctional United squad, and one without an A-lister.
They could do with a player of the stature of the old Red Devils star who now has Sporting’s training ground named after him.
Amorim, though, will be supremely confident he can sort out this mess at Old Trafford.
If he is able to do so, this achievement would be every bit as impressive as what Mourinho managed at Chelsea.
