Ruben Amorim has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester United, taking over from Erik ten Hag, who was sacked following a disappointing start to the season. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach, known for his success at Sporting Lisbon, signed a contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027, with the option for an additional year.
The club announced the appointment on its website, stating, “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.” Amorim is expected to join the club on November 11, 2024, after fulfilling his obligations to Sporting.
Amorim’s impressive track record includes winning two Primeira Liga titles, notably breaking Sporting’s 19-year title drought. Manchester United has hailed him as “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”
Until Amorim arrives, Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to lead the team. The first match under Amorim’s management will be away against struggling Ipswich on November 24.
The decision to hire Amorim comes after United’s poor performance this season, which has left them sitting in 14th place in the Premier League with just three wins from nine matches. Ten Hag was dismissed after a 2-1 loss to West Ham on Monday.
Amorim quickly became the club’s top target, with Sporting confirming that United was willing to meet his release clause of 10 million euros ($11 million). During a press conference ahead of Sporting’s league match, Amorim declined to comment on the negotiations, emphasizing the complexities involved. “It’s never easy. Even with the clauses, it’s never easy; they have to talk,” he stated.
Before their recent victory over Leicester in the League Cup, United had struggled significantly, managing only one win in their last eight matches across all competitions. Ten Hag had previously secured the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure, but the club has not lifted the Premier League trophy since 2013, marking a significant period of decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Van Nistelrooy expressed his determination to help improve the team’s fortunes and indicated a desire to remain with the club as they prepare for a crucial fixture against Chelsea this Sunday. When asked about his future under Amorim, he stated, “We will see, but it’s a contract situation that I’m in, and my desire is to help the club go forward.” As the team navigates this transitional period, the hope is that Amorim can revitalize Manchester United and restore its former glory.
