Manchester United have secured a major managerial appointment by bringing in Ruben Amorim, the highly rated Portuguese coach from Sporting Lisbon.
Amorim, known for his tactical expertise and impressive results with Sporting, will be stepping into one of football’s most scrutinized positions following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
The 39-year-old manager will officially take charge at Old Trafford on November 11, after accepting what he described as a “now or never” offer from the English club.
Amorim’s arrival follows a turbulent period for Manchester United. After a series of disappointing performances, United parted ways with Ten Hag, whose leadership had been questioned as the team languished in the lower half of the Premier League standings.
The sacking came after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham left the club in 14th place, with only three wins from their first nine league games. Despite having a notable budget and bringing in several high-profile players, United has struggled to secure consistent results, pushing management to pursue a new direction under Amorim.
The move to bring Amorim to Manchester required United to meet a €10 million release clause, a step Sporting Lisbon confirmed through a statement on October 29.
Amorim’s contract with United is set until 2027, giving him time to make his mark on a club that has seen multiple managers since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
With five different managers trying and failing to restore United to its former glory, Amorim’s appointment brings fresh hope and a substantial challenge.
Amorim expressed his mixed emotions about leaving Sporting Lisbon, where he had built a strong team and led them to their first league title in 19 years during his initial season in charge.
Reflecting on the fast-paced nature of the decision, he said, “The only question I asked was to go at the end of the season. But I was told it was now or never. I had three days to make the decision.” Ultimately, Amorim decided not to let this opportunity pass by, knowing the scarcity of such roles in global football.
In the interim, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain as the temporary head coach, preparing the team for a crucial clash against Chelsea.
Amorim’s official debut with United will come on November 24 against Ipswich Town, marking the start of a high-pressure period where fans and the footballing world will watch closely to see if he can turn the tide for the struggling club.
Before officially joining United, Amorim will fulfill his duties with Sporting, including a Champions League showdown against Manchester City and a final domestic league match against his former club, Braga, on November 10.
