Ruben Amorim has same special quality as Sir Alex Ferguson as Sporting star speaks out

Newly-appointed head coach has been hailed as a "father figure" by one of his Sporting CP players - mirroring the label once bestowed upon by .

The lauded former United boss was legendary for protecting his squad from the glare of media scrutiny and distractions away from the pitch during his remarkable 26-year reign. Ferguson's nurturing approach has been well-documented, with Beckham just one of the voices affirming the sentiment.

Along with the former England star's praise, ex-United players and Nani have both acknowledged Ferguson's father-like qualities. fans yearning for a return to the halcyon days of his stewardship will now be buzzing with Sporting CP's Matheus Reis' suggestion that Amorim embodies similar paternal instincts.

Reis recently opened up about Amorim's departure to Old Trafford and its effect on the squad. The 29-year-old defender expressed how his departing mentor played a crucial role to him and his teammates at the Premier Liga club.

"Gratitude is the word I have for Amorim. People don't know what he means to us," he said 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 sentiments toward Amorim resonate with the tributes paid by several United legends when reflecting on their time with Sir Alex. Beckham, who joined United as a trainee back in 1991, soared to incredible heights, becoming an integral part of the famed 'Class of '92'.

The celebrated No. 7 amassed six titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League victory under Ferguson's guidance. In the documentary series 'Beckham', the ex-Real Madrid star lavished praise on his former coach.

"Alex Ferguson was someone that I looked up to as a father figure," Beckham said, despite their tumultuous past which included an infamous incident where the manager kicked a boot at him in the changing room. "One of the most important people in my life from the age of 12, 13 when I first met him," he added.

Former United winger Nani also had glowing words for Ferguson. Speaking to , the 37-year-old described his old boss as embodying all the quintessential qualities one would expect from a classic paternal 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 Sir Alex at Old Trafford from 2003 to 2009, once shared an emotional story that highlighted Ferguson's compassionate side, a trait not always linked with the formidable Scotsman. Recounting a time when his father was critically ill, Ronaldo about how Ferguson responded to his personal crisis, as per .

He detailed: "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."

Although Amorim has yet to take the helm at United, hearing his current players praise the profound impact he had on them will undoubtedly reassure the Old Trafford faithful. Following their 4-1 Champions League thrashing of United's neighbours City this week, Sporting centre-back Zeno Debast also shared his thoughts on his soon-to-be-departed manager.

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 Ruben Amorim, but that's part of life."