Ruben Amorim threatened Sir Alex Ferguson embarrassment on Man Utd visit

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim once came close to being part of a famous upset over his new club.

Amorim for Erik ten Hag, . The 39-year-old is on the rise having masterminded a period of stunning success at Sporting Lisbon.

He took over amid a 19-year title drought and has since led Sporting to winning the Primeira Liga twice in four years. Before becoming a manager, Amorim spent nine years playing for Sporting's fierce rivals Benfica.

He also spent a season out on loan at Braga and it was during that campaign that . The Red Devils hosted the Portuguese side in a group stage clash in October 2012, with Amorim starting for the visitors.

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In the early stages of the first-half, it looked as if Braga would cause a huge shock. Just 90 seconds in, former midfielder Hugo Viana crossed from the left for Alan to head low past David de Gea in front of the Stretford End.

Braga doubled their lead halfway through the first period when emergency centre-back Michael Carrick was caught out. Eder showed great technique to cross for Alan to apply another clinical finish inside De Gea's near post.

Those goals looked set to help Braga cause a huge upset. But United boss Sir was able to turn things around for his side, with Javier Hernandez halving the deficit after 25 minutes with a header at the far post.

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Jonny Evans levelled by stabbing home from a corner, with the defender now part of the squad Amorim will take charge of. Braga's hopes of a famous upset were shattered with 15 minutes to go when Hernandez headed in Tom Cleverly's corner, leaving Ferguson relieved.

"It's been the story of our season at home - starting badly and conceding goals. But we've rescued games. It's the front players who are doing that for us, some of our football was terrific and we were creating a lot of chances, but it is a worry that we're losing those goals," he said.

"I can't get to the bottom of it, I am afraid. If you analyse the goals we are losing, they have come from throw-ins, crosses, cut-backs, all sorts, and they are finding players free in the box. It is difficult to put your finger on it, and it is a concern because it is making it difficult for us."

Braga coach Jose Peseiro was left gutted his side could not hold on against United, who would go on to win the that season. He insisted his side, including Amorim, had represented themselves well.

"I am happy with my players and the effort they put in, but the aim was to take away some points, so when you lose it is disappointing. We played very well in the first half and controlled their attack," Peseiro said.

"In the second half they put more players around the ball and we could not get forward. My team deserved to draw, so I must wait for 15 days to have another go at them. Hopefully, we play better at home."

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