Ruben Amorim has same two-word quality as Sir Alex Ferguson identified by David Beckham

New head coach has been described as a "father figure" by one of his players at Sporting CP – a tag that Sir was also given by .

Ferguson was famous for sheltering his players from intense media attention and other off-pitch concerns during his 26-year long stint as manager at Old Trafford. The former England icon is not the only ex- to share this sentiment either.

Along with Beckham's endorsement, Ferguson was also referred to as a compassionate and patriarchal figure by Portuguese duo and Nani. United fans clamouring for that classic Ferguson touch once again will be thrilled to hear that Matheus Reis has claimed that Amorim also shares fatherly tendencies, just like the legendary Scot.

The defender recently spoke out about losing Amorim to United and how it'll impact the club. The 29-year-old also declared how his soon to be ex-coach was a "father" to not just him but many players at the Primeira Liga outfit.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"Gratitude is the word I have for Amorim. People don't know what he means to us," Reis to TNT Sports in Brazil. "They only see what happens on the pitch, the victories, the titles we've won... But they can't imagine how many players he has helped. How many players he was like a father to.

"I speak for myself: he believed in me when no one else did. And many other players who have already left, players who are here and were nothing... He did everything in those players' lives. He means a lot to us."

The Brazilian's words echo that of several United icons when discussing their relationship with Sir Alex. Beckham, who arrived in Manchester as a trainee in 1991, eventually went on to stratospheric success after being a key member of the 'Class of '92'.

United's iconic No. 7 went on to win six titles, two FA Cups and the under Ferguson. Speaking as part of the 'Beckham' documentary series on , the former midfielder eulogised over his old manager.

"Alex Ferguson was someone that I looked up to as a father figure," said Beckham, despite their checkered relationship which even saw the manager kick a boot at his head in the dressing room. "One of the most important people in my life from the age of 12, 13 when I first met him."

Ex-United winger Nani also reserved high praise for Ferguson. In an interview with , the 37-year-old claimed his former manager would exhibit all the classic attributes one associates with a classic father-like figure.

"I see him [Ferguson] like a father, angry and shouting at you one minute but in the next, patting his hand on your head and saying: 'Come on, son,'", he said. "It was hard to deal with at first, because you don't know him and his strong ways but when you know him, you learn it is for your benefit. If today I have a strong mentality, it's a lot to do with him."

Ronaldo, who played for Ferguson at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, once revealed a tear-jerking tale where Sir Alex's empathy – an attribute not necessarily readily associated with the steely Scot – came to the fore. Explaining how he went to Ferguson with concerns for his severely ill father, Ronaldo recounted how his manager dealt with the situation, as per.

"When my dad was sick in London and was in hospital – very bad, in a coma – I had a conversation with [Ferguson]. I said: 'Boss, I don't feel good.' We are in a key moment in the league and the Champions League, but I say: 'Boss, I don't feel good. I want to see my dad.'

"[He said] 'Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, one week, you can go. I'm going to miss you here because you know you are important, but your dad [comes] first. When he told me that, I thought, 'this guy's unbelievable'. He was a football father for me."

While Amorim is yet to take up the reins at United, hearing from his current players the monumental affect he had on them will be heartening for the Old Trafford faithful. Sporting centre-back Zeno Debast also had a lot to say on his soon to be departed manager after they thrashed United's neighbours City 4-1 in the Champions League this week.

‘Rúben Amorim is a fantastic coach. I've only worked with him for three months and of course I would like him to stay, but I'm happy because he deserves it," he said. "It's like when a player plays well and then gets transferred, so he deserves it and we're happy for him. Nobody was prepared to lose Rúben Amorim, but that's part of life."

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our