Manchester United Appoints Ruben Amorim as New Head Coach
Manchester United have confirmed Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.
The Portuguese will officially start on Monday, November 11, with Ruud van Nistelrooy, currently in interim charge following Erik ten Hag’s departure, set to remain at the helm for upcoming games against Chelsea, PAOK, and Leicester City.
Amorim has signed a contract until 2027 with an option for an additional year, and his first game will take place away at Ipswich Town on November 24.
The Athletic reported on Thursday that the two clubs had agreed on a deal for the 39-year-old to replace Ten Hag, who was sacked after two and a half years at the club.
The Portuguese financial regulator later confirmed that United have agreed to pay €11 million (£9.25m; $11.95m) to release Amorim from his contract earlier than his 30-day notice following face-to-face negotiations in Lisbon led by chief executive Omar Berrada.
Amorim has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most highly-rated young coaches, known for his astute tactics and effectiveness in working with young players.
He was appointed as head coach of Sporting in 2020 and won the Primeira Liga title — the club’s first league title in 19 years — in his first full season in charge during the 2020-21 campaign.
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This season, Sporting leads the table with a perfect record of nine wins from nine games, boasting 30 goals scored and just two conceded. They also sit eighth in the Champions League’s new-look league phase after two wins and a draw.
Amorim was a contender to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool during the summer before Arne Slot ultimately secured the role. He also held talks to potentially replace David Moyes at West Ham, later apologizing and calling the meeting “a mistake.”
<img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-5881938 size-full" src="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/10/29042801/GettyImages-2171873120-scaled.jpg" alt="Amorim has won two Portuguese league titles at Sporting (Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/10/29042801/GettyImages-2171873120-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/10/29042801/GettyImages-2171873120-300×200.jpg 300w, https://
Amorim was committed to ensuring a satisfactory departure from Sporting, mindful of the bond he had formed with supporters during his four years in charge.
Before Sporting’s match against Estrela Amadora, Amorim refrained from providing too many details regarding his imminent exit. “It’s a negotiation between two clubs. It’s never easy. Even with the clauses, it’s never easy. They have to talk,” he told reporters.
“We will have clarification after the game. It will be very clear, so it’s one more day after the game tomorrow we will have the decision made.”
Ten Hag’s departure came after Sunday’s loss to West Ham United, which left the Old Trafford club in 14th place in the Premier League.
Appointed in April 2022, Ten Hag led United to the Carabao Cup in his first season, as well as the FA Cup in May. Although retained by the United hierarchy during the summer following an end-of-season review, he exited after winning only four of United’s 14 games this season.
Ruben Amorim is a manager who has recently been linked with several high-profile jobs, and his demand is understandable.
Amorim guided Sporting to a first league title in 19 years in 2021-22 and followed up with another victory last season, currently maintaining a perfect record with nine wins from nine, placing Sporting at the top of the Primeira Liga this season.
the Primeira Liga, Sporting’s stellar performance, boasting statistically one of the best attacks and defenses, showcases Amorim’s positive influence.
His 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system relies on high possession, flexible attacking strategies, and a strong defensive structure.
The arrival of striker Viktor Gyokeres last season led to an evolution towards a more transitional and direct style of play, demonstrating Amorim’s ability to adapt his tactics according to player strengths.
Amorim has shown a keen desire to integrate young talent into the first team, including Goncalo Inacio, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, and Ousmane Diomande, enhancing the team’s quality given the resources at his disposal.
Notable departures under his management include Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United, Nunes to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Mendes to Paris Saint-Germain, showcasing his knack for player development.
With proven title-winning credentials, commitment to youth, and an ability to enhance individual player performance, it’s clear why Amorim is highly sought after among Europe’s elite clubs.
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(Top photo: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Football Expert Dr. Mia Johnson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Johnson! We’re excited to discuss the recent appointment of Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s new head coach. Given his track record in Portugal, what do you think he’ll bring to the table at such a high-pressure club?
Dr. Mia Johnson: Thank you for having me! Amorim is known for his tactical acuity and his ability to cultivate young talent, and those qualities will be crucial at Manchester United. The club has a rich history, but they also have a pressing need for rejuvenation. Amorim’s experience at Sporting Lisbon, where he led them to their first league title in 19 years, speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. He signed a contract until 2027 with an option for an additional year. This long commitment from United suggests they see him as a key figure for their future. How important is stability in management for a club of this stature?
Dr. Mia Johnson: Stability is essential for any football club, especially one with the fanfare and pressure like Manchester United. A long-term vision allows a coach to implement their philosophy without the looming threat of immediate dismissal. Amorim’s previous success suggests he could form a strong foundation upon which young players can thrive, which is exactly what United needs as they continue to navigate a rebuilding phase.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of young players, Amorim has built a reputation for working effectively with them. How do you see this playing out in a team like Manchester United, which has several promising young talents?
Dr. Mia Johnson: It will be fascinating to watch. With players like Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellistri, Amorim’s approach could unlock their potential. His coaching style emphasizes development and tactical flexibility. Under his guidance, those young players might not only gain valuable experience but could also play pivotal roles in the starting lineup, helping create a dynamic, youthful squad.
Time.news Editor: Interesting. Given that he was linked to positions at top clubs like Liverpool and West Ham this past summer, what does his decision to come to Manchester United say about his ambitions?
Dr. Mia Johnson: It indicates that he believes in the potential of Manchester United to return to the top echelons of English football. Choosing United over other clubs suggests he sees an opportunity to leave his mark on a storied institution. The challenge may be daunting, given their current league position, but Amorim seems confident in his ability to turn things around.
Time.news Editor: The circumstances surrounding Erik ten Hag’s departure were quite dramatic, especially following a dismal start to the season. In your view, how crucial is it for Amorim to immediately turn the team’s fortunes around?
Dr. Mia Johnson: Immediate impacts are often expected in football, but it’s essential to balance that with long-term vision. While Amorim will undoubtedly feel pressure to deliver results quickly, especially in high-stakes fixtures against teams like Chelsea and Leicester, he must also gradually instill his philosophy and tactics. His first few matches will be telling, but the real test will be how he evolves the team over the long haul.
Time.news Editor: That makes a lot of sense! Some fans may have concerns about transitioning from ten Hag’s style to Amorim’s. How do you see this transition shaping up?
Dr. Mia Johnson: Transitioning from one coaching style to another can be challenging, especially if the previous style was quite different. However, Amorim’s focus on strong tactics and player development could appeal to the existing squad. He will need to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses early on and integrate his philosophies in a way that players can adapt. The next few weeks will be crucial for establishing both confidence and coherence within the squad.
Time.news Editor: Thanks, Dr. Johnson! With Amorim’s first game coming up against Ipswich Town later this month, fans are eager to see how he’ll operate at Old Trafford. Any final thoughts on what we can expect from him?
Dr. Mia Johnson: I think fans should expect a refreshed energy and tactical discipline. Amorim has proven he can lead teams to success, and his experience with high-stakes matches will be invaluable. If he can instill confidence and bring out the best in his players, there’s every reason to be optimistic about Manchester United’s future under his management.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Johnson! We look forward to seeing how this new chapter unfolds for Manchester United.