Ruben Amorim’s eagerly anticipated start as Manchester United’s head coach has hit a brief delay due to work permit processing, reports reveal.
Initially, United had announced that Amorim would officially assume his duties on November 11, stepping into the permanent role following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell. But despite the fanfare around the Portuguese manager’s appointment, he won’t be able to step onto the Carrington training pitch just yet.
The 39-year-old tactician still awaits final clearance on his UK work visa—a procedural hurdle, according to the Daily Mail, which has temporarily put his on-field work with United on hold. This, however, does not reflect any complications with his hire. The permit’s approval is simply part of standard protocol, meaning Amorim’s coaching reign is on a brief hold until this formal step is completed.
Amorim’s final match with Sporting Lisbon saw him guide his former side in an emotional 4-2 victory over Braga, marking a strong close to his tenure there. Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy’s brief but impactful leadership at United also concluded with a confident 3-0 win over Leicester City, wrapping up his interim charge on a high note. The Dutchman oversaw three wins and a draw in his four-game spell, impressing many with his stability amid transition.
Though the delay keeps Amorim from training, his plans to integrate himself into Manchester life are still in motion. With the international break providing a rare lull in the club’s fixture list, United’s board is using this time to settle Amorim’s living arrangements in the city, enabling him to hit the ground running once his permit clears. By the time United’s next match against Ipswich Town arrives on November 24, fans hope he’ll be fully integrated and ready to lead from the front.
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While Amorim’s official media introduction awaits his pre-match press conference ahead of the Ipswich clash, he is expected to make early appearances in club-produced interviews. This controlled rollout will give fans a first glimpse into the philosophy and vision he intends to bring to Old Trafford. Known for his direct yet adaptable approach, Amorim will undoubtedly address the high expectations around his arrival.
The transition, however, has left some questions regarding the existing staff, especially Ruud van Nistelrooy. The former United striker has been candid about his aspirations to contribute to the club’s success in any capacity, even after Amorim’s appointment. “This block of four games felt like closure, but the future is open,” Van Nistelrooy stated. “I appreciated the clear communication from the club. It was important to have that clarity.”
Van Nistelrooy’s commitment to United resonates with fans who fondly remember his years as a prolific goalscorer. Now, the question remains whether Amorim will retain him in a support role, particularly with the five new coaching staff members he’s bringing over from Sporting. These trusted staff additions required an extra £4 million investment from United, on top of the £8.3 million buyout for Amorim’s release.
The reshuffling could impact several current staff members as Amorim seeks to establish a team he trusts implicitly. United assistants and coaches like Rene Hake, Darren Fletcher, Andreas Georgson, and goalkeeping coaches Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Craig Mawson await their respective fates. For Van Nistelrooy, who expressed a desire to “support the club in any way possible,” there’s hope he’ll find a place in Amorim’s new structure.
One of the appealing elements of Amorim’s appointment has been his impressive tactical approach, often described as innovative and adaptable. He’s widely expected to introduce the 3-4-2-1 formation he employed successfully at Sporting, known for its balance and fluid transition between attack and defense. Fans will be eager to see how Amorim’s tactical blueprint translates to United’s squad, which is filled with talent but has struggled with consistency.
With the next Premier League match looming and United’s season in a crucial phase, Amorim’s tactical adaptability could be a game-changer. His early commitment to bringing in experienced backroom staff signifies a strategic mindset aimed at unifying the club around a clear, shared vision.
As the excitement builds for Amorim’s era, United supporters and analysts alike are waiting to see how he will make his mark on the storied club. Whether Van Nistelrooy will stay on, and how Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 setup will blend with United’s current squad, are questions that only time will answer. The clock now ticks down to November 24, when Amorim’s journey with United is set to begin in earnest against Ipswich, marking the first chapter in what fans hope will be a transformative era at Old Trafford.