Ruben Amorim reflects on his international debut in SA and the iconic vuvuzelas

Manchester United manger Ruben Amorim has recalled his international debut for Portugal in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with fondness, especially the vuvuzelas.

The Red Devils’ boss was playing for Benfica – where he won three Primeira Liga titles – when he was called up to the Portugal squad for the showpiece.

Coincidentally, took the place of former Manchester United star winger Nani, who was forced to pull out due to injury.

“I remember the sound of vuvuzelas,” Amorim told SuperSport.

“Was amazing. It was hard to speak sometimes in the stadium.

“You guys have a very beautiful country. I remember Cape Town was a really good city, a really nice city. And it was good moment in my career.”

Amorim didn’t make his mark on the world stage. He was also included in the Portuguese squad for the next World Cup in Brazil, however.

Amorim earned a total of 14 caps before retiring as a player in 2017.

A little-known fact is the former Porto manager also once shared a pitch with former United legend Cristiano Ronaldo in his brief sojourn with the national team.

Amorim has had a difficult transition to the English Premier League since joining United from Porto in November.

He had been hailed as one of the bright young coaches in Europe after leading Sporting back to the top of the Portuguese game during an impressive four seasons in Lisbon.

He is preparing to take his Red Devils team to face fellow fallen giants Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League match on Sunday.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London is at 6.30pm.