- New Sporting Lisbon manager Joao Pereira led his side to a dominant first win
- Reported Man United target Viktor Gyokeres also contributed to the goalfest
- Will Ruben Amorim be Man United’s saviour? LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Available wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes every Monday and Thursday
Sporting Lisbon won by a mammoth score in their first game since Ruben Amorim left to join Man United, beating Amarante FC 6-0 in the fourth round of the Taca de Portugal.
The league leaders, now managed by Joao Pereira, continued their perfect domestic record in Portugal with 14 wins in as many games.
United target Viktor Gyokeres played a hand in the goalfest, converting from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to score Sporting’s last goal of the game.
The Swede has now netted 24 times in 17 games, as the rumours about his future ramp up ahead of the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim promised not to raid his former side at the turn of the year, but Gykores’ stellar form may earn him a lucrative summer contract offer from one of Europe’s elites if he continues this level of performance.
Former Spurs winger Marcus Edwards opened the scoring in the 10th minute, marking the start of Sporting’s new era.
After a solo run, he cut onto his right foot, wrong footing his defender, and perfectly curling the ball into the far corner from about 16 yards out.
Five minutes later, Ricardo Esgaio tapped in from close range to double the lead before Conrad Harder converted a one-on-one to make it 3-0 in the 28th minute.
Edwards secured his brace on the stroke of half-time, while Trincao and Gyokeres added two more goals in the second half to cap off a dream start for the new manager.
Sporting have now scored 59 goals and conceded just nine this season, as Amorim left his former side in excellent shape across all competitions; the Portuguese giants are also undefeated in Europe.
They sit second in the Champions League table, their record only being eclipsed by Arne Slot’s all-conquering Liverpool team.
Pereira’s squad now turn to Tuesday night where they face another massive challenge – hosting Arsenal in the Champions League.