Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Manchester United manager has set the football world alight.
In an exclusive interview with Gary Neville, the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician shared his excitement about taking on one of football’s most coveted managerial roles and opened up about the emotional challenge of leaving Sporting Lisbon mid-season.
Amorim, a rising star in European coaching, officially stepped into the Old Trafford dugout during the international break. His arrival comes after a two-and-a-half-year deal, marking him as Erik ten Hag’s successor and ending Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim tenure. With his first training session as the Red Devils’ head coach under his belt, Amorim is wasting no time getting acclimated to life in Manchester.
Speaking to Neville, Amorim admitted the decision to leave Sporting Lisbon was far from easy. “It was really hard,” he said. “Leaving in the middle of the season is tough, especially when you have a strong connection with your players and staff. But I had to do it. When the opportunity came, I felt this is my place. It was the right club at the right time.”
The move has sparked mixed reactions back in Portugal, where Amorim was leading Sporting to another stellar season. The club currently sits six points clear atop the Primeira Liga and is making waves in the Champions League. Still, Amorim stood firm in his conviction, emphasizing the pull of Manchester United as a unique and unmissable opportunity.
Neville, who knows the weight of wearing the United badge better than most, smiled at Amorim’s heartfelt response. “You could feel his passion for the role,” Neville noted. Amorim echoed that sentiment: “Manchester United is everything. It’s the history, the players, the fans—it’s a club anyone would dream of managing.”
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Despite the whirlwind transition, Amorim’s focus remains unwavering. “The first few moments were overwhelming,” he admitted. “But then your mind shifts to the team, the players, the tactics. You start planning immediately. That’s the beauty of football—it keeps you grounded in the present.”
Amorim’s arrival comes during a challenging period for United. The team is languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with just 15 points from 11 matches. Yet, optimism surrounds his appointment, thanks to his success at Sporting, where he secured two domestic titles and cultivated a reputation for nurturing talent and playing vibrant, attacking football.
The Portuguese coach has also embraced the unique role of being United’s first-ever “head coach,” part of a new structural overhaul under CEO Omar Berrada, director of football Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox. The revamped framework aims to foster long-term stability while giving Amorim the tools to succeed.
While January’s transfer window will offer a chance to tailor the squad to his vision, Amorim believes there’s untapped potential within the current roster. “There are players here who can deliver so much more than they’ve shown,” he stated confidently. His mission now is to reignite the fire within a squad that has underperformed this season.
The road ahead isn’t easy. Amorim’s first test as United manager will be a trip to Ipswich Town, fresh off their surprise 2-1 victory over Tottenham. Just days later, United host Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League, where they’ve managed six points from their opening four group-stage matches.
With the Premier League and European campaigns presenting their own challenges, Amorim’s tactical acumen and leadership will be put to the test. However, his track record at Sporting Lisbon suggests he’s more than capable of navigating turbulent waters.
Amorim’s appointment also signals a cultural shift at Old Trafford. His ability to balance tactical discipline with dynamic football aligns with the ethos United fans crave. If he can bring stability to a club desperate for consistency, he may well write his name into the storied history of Manchester United.
As the Red Devils prepare for Ipswich, all eyes will be on Amorim. Can he be the catalyst for United’s resurgence? With a fresh approach, a commitment to the club’s traditions, and the determination to succeed, Amorim’s journey at Old Trafford has the potential to be nothing short of transformative.
For now, Ruben Amorim has a simple message for the fans: “This is my place. And I’m ready to fight for it.”
