Manchester United is actively seeking Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as their next manager following the recent dismissal of Erik ten Hag. The decision comes on the heels of a challenging season start that has left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, well below expectations for one of England’s most storied football teams.
After a 2-1 loss to West Ham this past Sunday, marking United’s fourth defeat in just nine league games, the club’s management felt compelled to make a change. Despite significant investment in new players, including over £600 million ($778 million) spent on recruits since Ten Hag’s appointment, results on the pitch have faltered.
Manchester United has won only one of their last eight games across all competitions, sparking frustration and disappointment among fans and stakeholders alike.
Following Ten Hag’s departure, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken on the role of interim manager. The club, however, appears to have their sights set on 39-year-old Amorim, the current manager of Sporting Lisbon.
Known as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, Amorim has built a strong reputation for his tactical acumen and ability to nurture young talent. According to Sky Sports, United is prepared to pay the release clause in Amorim’s contract with Sporting, potentially paving the way for his arrival at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag’s tenure at United, which began in May 2022, initially showed promise. In his first season, he led the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League, won the League Cup, and even brought home the FA Cup in a memorable victory over rivals Manchester City.
However, his second season has not mirrored that success, with persistent issues such as injuries to key players and underperformance from costly signings. High-profile acquisitions like Brazilian forward Antony have struggled to make a notable impact, and the absence of a clear, cohesive playing style under Ten Hag’s management became a mounting concern.
United’s recent restructuring efforts under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe further amplified pressure on Ten Hag. Following an internal review after last season, Ratcliffe initially backed the Dutch manager, extending his contract through June 2026.
This endorsement, however, did not yield the anticipated progress on the field. Disheartening defeats, including 3-0 losses to both Liverpool and Tottenham at Old Trafford, highlighted the team’s struggles, ultimately forcing United’s hand in making a managerial change.
Former players have been vocal about the current state of the team. Gary Neville, once United’s captain, expressed his disappointment, saying, “The big shock for me is how bad they’ve been with the new signings that have come in.” Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand compared Ten Hag’s challenges to “a boxer getting hit and knocked down in the third round and never recovering and getting knocked out.”
