Amorim takes a dig at his ex-club: AC Milan is a bigger challenge than Man United

Even though Manchester United and Ruben Amorim parted ways amicably last January, neither side is likely to look back fondly on their 14-month spell together.

After all, the Portuguese endured arguably the most stressful period in his career, failing to revive the fallen giant, while the Red Devils never found in him what they were looking for - a turnaround, embodied in better results, improved performances, and stability after Erik ten Hag's departure.

Amorim pushes fellow Portuguese out of Milan – Leao offered to Tottenham

The club from Old Trafford will only begin to see signs of it in Michael Carrick, while Amorim will roll up his sleeves and attempt to awaken another sleeping giant, AC Milan, hoping to achieve what eluded him in Manchester.

The split may have been amicable, but after such a disappointing partnership, it's hard to imagine there isn't at least a little bitterness on either side.

For six months, neither the manager nor the club gave any indication there were hard feelings, until Amorim arrived in Milan for a three-day visit to familiarize himself with the Rossoneri's facilities, and took a slight dig at his former team when he spoke to the media in fluent Italian.

"I am truly very happy to be here. It's an honour to be the Milan coach. If you watch an old interview of mine, I said that this is a special club for me. It's a big challenge."

"After the last time (at Manchester United, ed.), I told myself to choose less demanding challenges, yet here I am, it's an even bigger challenge."

"But I am proud to be here; now I want to work with my staff and my players... I am truly happy to be here. Am I here to win? You cannot come to Milan without this mentality. We have a lot to do, but if you are the Milan coach, you must play to win," he said via La Gazzetta dello Sport.

At first glance, Amorim's comments did not seem particularly noteworthy. However, indicating that coaching Milan is a bigger challenge than coaching United - that's not the sort of remark the Red Devils' supporters are likely to let slide.