Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim was spotted in Qatar on Thursday taking in a game of tennis.
Amorim, 41, has maintained a low profile since he was sacked by United last month – after which he received a reported £12million pay-off.
The Portuguese coach’s ill-fated 14-month stint at the club came to an end following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Leeds, and it followed multiple disagreements with United’s hierarchy.
The Red Devils have since impressed under Amorim’s replacement Michael Carrick, winning four and drawing one of his five games in charge after Darren Fletcher was installed as caretaker for two matches.
But on Thursday Amorim was back in the spotlight as he caught fans off guard by attending the Qatar Open tennis championship in Doha.
Amorim was taking in Carlos Alcaraz’s 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Karen Khachanov.
As the match moved towards its conclusion in the final game of the third set, the TV coverage panned to Amorim.
This caught Sky Sports’ commentators by surprise as one said: ‘Oh, it’s Ruben Amorim.’
The co-commentator added: ‘He’s got a bit of time on his hands these days. Enjoying the tennis, the former manager of Manchester United.’
Amorim looked relaxed when the camera panned towards him and he appeared to be watching the action from a private area.
The 41-year-old was wearing a black jacket and had a watch on his left wrist.
Following his appearance, several football fans were also left in shock on social media as one said: ‘Did not expect to see Ruben Amorim at a tennis match.’
Another fan remarked: ‘Why is Amorim there lmao,’ before a further user added: ‘What is Ruben Amorim doing watching Alcaraz in Qatar!’
A fourth supporter jokingly speculated: ‘Is Amorim going to take the Qatar national team job?’
Amorim, who previously managed Casa Pia, Braga and Sporting Lisbon after retiring from playing at the age of 32, has been linked to several jobs since his departure from Old Trafford, but he seemed to be enjoying some time out of the game.
His presence in Doha comes after one of his former players Matheus Cunha expressed his gratitude towards Amorim, explaining that he was part of the reason for United’s recent upturn in form.
‘I’ve always been very grateful for everything Ruben did,’ Cunha told DAZN. ‘I think it’s very easy, when things change, to see the past as only problems, but it’s quite the opposite; he was an incredible person.
‘Many new players came because of him, so I think he also plays a big part in the success we are having now.’
