Ruben Amorim, a former Benfica and Portugal midfielder, stepped away from playing in 2017 and quickly moved into coaching, starting with Braga in 2019.
By 2020, he joined Sporting CP, where he’s become one of Europe’s most promising young coaches, even guiding Sporting to the league title twice.
This week, Amorim hinted that the “soap opera” surrounding his potential move to Manchester United is nearing its conclusion. Although fans anticipated an announcement by Thursday, Amorim clarified that he would provide updates after Sporting’s league game against Estrela da Amadora on Friday.
The deal appears close to finalized, with Amorim expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with an optional additional year. However, it’s likely he won’t assume his role at United until the November international break.
In Thursday’s press conference, Amorim mentioned how challenging it’s been to remain vague about his future plans, though he reassured that “the soap opera is coming to an end.” Manchester United executives Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth were recently in Lisbon to finalize the terms, though they returned to England on Wednesday evening.
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Manchester United has reportedly paid an additional €1 million above Amorim’s €10 million release clause to expedite his release. Discussions are also ongoing about compensating the coaching staff he plans to bring along to Old Trafford.
When Sky Sports News’ Gail Davis pressed Amorim on the delay, he explained, “It’s a negotiation between two clubs. It is never easy—even with the clauses.” He assured everyone that the situation would be clarified by Friday evening.
When asked what he liked about the Premier League, Amorim simply smiled and replied, “Everything.”
According to Sky Sports News senior reporter Melissa Reddy, Amorim’s press conference suggests the deal is all but done. His decision to delay any confirmation until after Friday’s game may be partly due to the strong reaction from Sporting fans, who have expressed disappointment over his potential departure.
Reddy observed that Amorim’s concern for his players and their nerves ahead of an important game may be a reason for delaying the official announcement until after the match. His desire to protect the team during this uncertain period speaks volumes about his leadership style.
Interim Manager
While Amorim prepares for the big shift, Ruud van Nistelrooy continues as interim manager, and following United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester, he shared his willingness to support the team as long as needed. Van Nistelrooy also expressed hope that he might join Amorim’s coaching staff once he arrives.
Amorim is expected to bring along a trusted group of coaches, including Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, Carlos Fernandes, goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital, and sports scientist Paulo Barreira, who will strengthen United’s backroom team.
While Amorim has been busy with his current squad, the swift developments left him uncertain if Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final might be his last game with Sporting. However, Sporting has made every effort to keep him as long as possible, especially with Van Nistelrooy offering stability in the interim.
After retiring in 2017, Amorim made a fast ascent in coaching, landing at Sporting in 2020, where he quickly established himself as one of Europe’s rising coaching talents. His two league titles with Sporting and three League Cup wins—two with Sporting and one with Braga—have only enhanced his reputation.
Amorim’s achievements
Given his achievements, Amorim seemed destined for a top European coaching job. Winning the league title with Sporting at just 36 cemented his status, and his success last season further showcased his coaching abilities.
Sporting recognized his potential early, paying a considerable release fee to bring him from Braga, largely due to his tactical sharpness, dedication, and personality.
We’ll dive deeper into Amorim’s rise and coaching approach, with insights from several Portuguese coaches who have competed against him, to understand what makes him so effective—and whether his skills can translate to his new challenge at Manchester United.
