New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim says he is happy to be the “Smiling One” – but is prepared to be ruthless when required.
It is more than 20 years since Amorim’s fellow Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho announced himself as “the Special One” to an unsuspecting Premier League audience.
While Amorim might not be quite as charismatic as Mourinho he appears a bubbly character on first appearances.
However, when the hard work starts at Ipswich in the league on Sunday, he knows the smiles may not last.
“I can be the Smiling One but when we have a job to do I will be a different person,” he said.
“There are some places to have fun but I can be ruthless when I have to be.
“[I can] be the nicest guy you will ever see, but if there is someone just thinking about himself, I will be a different person.”
Amorim is still getting used to his players, although he has already expressed his “love” for England midfielder Mason Mount because of his attitude.
At 39, Amorim is the youngest United boss since Wilf McGuiness followed Sir Matt Busby in 1969.
The achievements of Busby and fellow Scot Sir Alex Ferguson are the basis on which the club’s illustrious history is largely based.
Amorim was not even two years old when Ferguson moved south to United from Aberdeen in November 1986 – and said the pair are yet to meet.
However, United in 2024 are a world away from the one Ferguson left in 2013, let alone joined. And the former Sporting boss accepts he has to do the job his way.
“I have to be me,” he said. “I’m always paying attention to details, trying to focus the players on the history of the club, not just the recent history. This is a club that has to win things.
“But it’s a different time. I cannot be the same guy that Alex Ferguson was – it’s a different time and I need to have a different approach. But I can also be demanding.”