Manchester United has just confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach.
At 39, the Portuguese coach will leave Sporting Lisbon and officially take charge at United on November 11. His first match is set for November 24 against Ipswich Town. After finishing his commitments with Sporting, he’ll join the Red Devils, with fans eagerly waiting to see his impact.
Amorim’s contract with United will run until June 2027, with an option for an additional year. United paid Sporting an extra €1 million (£840,000) on top of his €10 million (£8.4 million) exit clause to expedite his release. This signals how eager they are to bring Amorim in and start a new era under his leadership.
He replaces Erik ten Hag, who was let go last month. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been overseeing the first team and will continue in this role until Amorim arrives. United has an upcoming clash with Chelsea this Sunday, and it remains to be seen if Van Nistelrooy will continue as part of Amorim’s coaching staff.
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Notably, Amorim is United’s first coach to hold the title “head coach” rather than “manager,” reflecting a modern shift in football roles. This structure has become increasingly popular, with clubs now employing directors for sports, recruitment, and more, giving head coaches a more focused role on the pitch.
Amorim’s journey from a former Benfica and Portugal midfielder to a highly respected coach has been swift. Retiring in 2017, he took on his first coaching role at Braga two years later. Since then, he’s made waves in European football, especially at Sporting Lisbon, where he clinched two Primeira Liga titles.
In his time with Sporting, Amorim has also won the Portuguese League Cup three times—twice with Sporting and once with Braga. His rapid success has turned him into one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches. United’s leadership is hopeful he can bring his tactical prowess and motivational skills to transform the team.
Initially, Sporting fans and pundits were skeptical when the club paid €10 million to bring Amorim in, especially given he lacked a UEFA Pro License at the time. Despite the criticism, Sporting’s management saw potential, and it’s a gamble that paid off, earning him a top reputation that has now led him to United.
Sporting’s decision-makers now face a bittersweet feeling—they’ve lost their “special one” to one of the world’s biggest clubs for a fee that, in hindsight, seems low. Amorim’s unique blend of personality and football IQ will be priceless if he can deliver the transformation United is counting on.
Taking the reins at United is a natural progression for Amorim, whose tactical skills and charisma make him a natural fit for a top club. Winning the league with Sporting at 36 cemented his reputation, and another title last season only confirmed it further. He’s already proven his abilities in Portugal; now it’s about translating that success to the Premier League.
This head coach appointment also highlights a pivotal moment in United’s restructure under INEOS. They’ve introduced new leadership in several areas, including a CEO, sporting director, and technical director. Amorim is the latest piece in this puzzle, as they aim to re-establish United as a powerhouse.
Amorim’s early schedule is no small challenge. After starting at Ipswich, he’ll lead United against Bodo/Glimt and Everton before a December showdown against Arsenal. Shortly after, the Manchester derby at the Etihad will be another major test. He’ll need a quick start to build momentum, especially with high-stakes games on the horizon.
As Amorim prepares to step in, there’s a question mark over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future at the club. He has been a solid interim leader, and he’s expressed his desire to remain at United in his assistant role. However, Amorim plans to bring some of his long-time assistants along, and the club will need to sort out Van Nistelrooy’s position soon.
With 70% of the current squad brought in or promoted by Ten Hag, Amorim will inherit a group shaped heavily by his predecessor. This means he’ll face the challenge of working with players accustomed to a different system while introducing his own style and strategies.
Amorim’s first few fixtures will be crucial for setting the tone. After the Chelsea match this Sunday, United faces PAOK in the Europa League and Leicester in the Premier League before Amorim begins his tenure. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can inject fresh energy and strategy from the outset.
Beyond the Premier League, Amorim will also get his first taste of the Europa League with United. He’ll lead his new team against PAOK on November 28, aiming to guide United through a successful group stage and into the knockout rounds.
The stakes are high for Amorim, but his track record shows he’s ready for the challenge. United fans are hopeful that he’ll bring the tactical ingenuity and leadership that propelled Sporting to success and that, finally, United is moving toward a brighter future.
