Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the new head coach, effective from November 11, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. This decision comes during a challenging period for the iconic club, which is determined to re-establish itself in the elite echelons of English and European football. Amorim, a celebrated figure in Portuguese football, has been signed on a long-term contract that extends through June 2027.
The 39-year-old former Sporting Lisbon coach brings with him an impressive resume, having won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles. Described by Manchester United as “one of the most exciting and highly-rated young coaches in European football,” Amorim’s appointment is being seen as a strategic move by the club to inject fresh ideas and reinvigorate the team’s prospects.
In a statement on their official website, Manchester United expressed their enthusiasm: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements. He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club.”
Amorim’s arrival comes after United found themselves languishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings following a 2-1 defeat by West Ham, culminating in Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. The club has only managed three wins from nine league matches this season, which prompted them to act decisively in securing Amorim’s services.
Sporting Lisbon agreed to Manchester United’s pursuit by allowing the Portuguese coach’s departure upon receipt of an €11 million (approximately Rs 100 crore) compensation package. Sporting Lisbon’s statement read: “We have reached an agreement with Manchester United regarding the terms of Ruben Amorim’s departure.”
The club’s attention now shifts to maintaining stability while awaiting Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford. During this interim period, former player Ruud van Nistelrooy will maintain control of the first team, ensuring continuity as Manchester United navigates through this transitional phase.
Amorim is expected to fulfill his current obligations with Sporting by guiding the team through their remaining fixtures ahead of the international break.
. His final game at the helm of the Portuguese champions will be an emotional encounter against his former club, Braga, on November 10.
Sporting’s schedule also includes a critical Champions League fixture against Manchester City, adding an additional layer of significance to Amorim’s concluding chapter with the Lisbon club. Upon completion, Amorim will face his first challenge with Manchester United in an away match against Ipswich on November 24.
Amorim became Manchester United’s primary target following ten Hag’s departure, with the club quickly demonstrating willingness to meet his release clause. During a press conference before Sporting’s match against Estrela, the coach was asked about his impending switch to Manchester. “It is a negotiation between two clubs,” Amorim diplomatically remarked. “It’s never easy. Even with the clauses, it’s never easy, they have to talk.”
Fans of the Red Devils eagerly anticipate the tactical acumen and innovative strategies that Amorim promises to bring, aiming to rekindle the glory days not seen since Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure ended in 2013. With Amorim’s leadership, there’s renewed hope that Manchester United can close the gap on their title-winning rivals and aim for significant domestic and European success.
While Erik ten Hag managed to secure domestic cup successes, namely, the League Cup and FA Cup, the league title has remained elusive for the Red Devils. Amorim’s appointment is thus widely seen as a bold step towards shoring up the club’s fortunes.
Overall, Ruben Amorim’s imminent arrival reflects Manchester United’s commitment to laying strong foundations for a sustained period of success. As the club strives to rectify recent performances and reinstate itself among Europe’s footballing giants, Amorim’s tenure will be closely watched, heralding a new era at Old Trafford.
