Chelsea forward Pedro Neto has hailed the Portuguese spirit following Ruben Amorim's appointment as Manchester United's head coach. The former Sporting manager took charge at Old Trafford at the start of the international break this month.
The Red Devils removed former manager Erik ten Hag from his post last month following the club's worst start to a season in the Premier League era. Amorim has an enviable record with the Portuguese club, helping them lift two league titles since taking charge in 2020.
Speaking recently, as cited by NoticiasOminuto, Neto wished his countryman good luck at Manchester United.
“It’s a sign that the Portuguese are working very well. It’s a sign that both players and coaches have produced a great batch and of great quality. Above all, and as I said before in the national team, I wish Ruben all the best, except against Chelsea," said Neto.
He continued:
“I think he is a Portuguese product showing the quality he has. It is also the Portuguese spirit and I hope it continues like this. We are a small country, but we show our greatness based on these values and both as people and as professionals of the Portuguese people.”
The Red Devils have already faced Chelsea in the Premier League this month, when Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge as the interim manager. The game ended 1-1.
Unless the two sides are drawn together in the FA Cup, they will not meet until the final weeks of the season.
Manchester United and Chelsea have had contrasting luck in front of goal this season. The Red Devils struggled to find the back of the net under Erik ten Hag, although they were a little better under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Manchester United have registered 12 goals from 11 games in the Premier League this season. They are 13th in the league table at the moment and have scored 32 goals in 18 games across competitions.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have scored 47 goals in 19 games in all competitions this season. Enzo Maresca's team have found the back of the net 23 times in 12 games in the league and are third in the Premier League. The London giants secured a 2-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, November 23, in the league.