Manchester United will appoint Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim after dismissing Dutch coach Erik ten Hag due to a poor season start. The Red Devils have already agreed to pay Ruben Amorim’s €10m release clause, and they will finalize the deal this week.
Many Manchester United fans may not have known Ruben Amorim before this week, so let’s take a quick look at what the Portuguese manager will bring to Old Trafford and what fans can realistically expect.
Tactical Nous
Amorim is tactically smart and adaptable with his approach. Over his four years at Sporting Lisbon, he has primarily used one system: a three-man defense with ball-carrying, lethal wing-backs providing width for a narrow front three, supported by two mobile midfielders.
Amorim’s system remains flexible enough to adjust his team’s shape in response to opponents’ pressing and attacking styles.
Excellent Player Development
Under Amorim, Sporting have developed several important talents and improved many players, such as Matheus Nunes, Inacio, Diomande, Hjulmand, Gyokeres, and others.
He aligns with Manchester United’s vision under INEOS. Amorim excels at working with young players and playing them in a system that maximizes their strengths.
A Project Manager
Amorim has proven that he can build effectively, even in a chaotic environment. Despite Sporting Lisbon’s status as a selling club and the loss of key players over the past four years, he has continued to deliver trophies and attractive football, working closely with Sporting Lisbon’s director, Hugo Viana.
Excellent Man-Management
Amorim receives high praise from both former and current players. He is a top man-manager, consistently bringing out the best in his squad.
Realistic Expectations for Ruben Amorim
A realistic goal for this season would be a top-six finish. Appointing Amorim is a smart move by Manchester United. Although Amorim’s achievements are impressive, joining a club like Manchester United carries significant risk. The club believes he embodies the qualities they want in a coach—similar to their confidence in Erik ten Hag two years ago.
That’s why Amorim will need time to turn Manchester United around, especially with INEOS’s new squad-building approach. He needs time to build his ideal squad and fully implement his playing style. He shouldn’t be pressured to deliver unrealistic targets or trophies right away.
Collaborating with Manchester United’s sporting directors to reshape the club’s identity and playing style will be challenging, but Amorim has the capability to make it happen.