Manchester United Set to Hire Ruben Amorim: A New Era for the Red Devils
Manchester United is reportedly on the brink of hiring Ruben Amorim, the talented manager of Sporting Lisbon, as the club looks to replace Erik Ten Hag. This potential move not only signals a fresh start for the Red Devils but also positions them alongside other elite European clubs, such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who have recently tapped into the rising managerial talent by hiring Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany, respectively.
The Rise of Ruben Amorim
At just 39 years old, Amorim has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising managerial stars. His name has been linked to several top positions in recent months, including interest from Liverpool before they opted for Slot and talks with West Ham last spring before their appointment of Julen Lopetegui. Despite his relatively short managerial career, Amorim’s impressive track record is garnering attention and instilling confidence in Manchester United fans eager for a turnaround after a tumultuous spell under Ten Hag.
A Look Back at Amorim’s Career
Ruben Amorim began his managerial journey in his native Portugal, taking charge of third-division side Casa Pia in 2018. His initial stint was marred by controversy; he resigned after receiving a year-long suspension for giving tactical instructions during a match without the required coaching licenses, leading to a points deduction for the club. However, the suspension was lifted in September 2019, allowing him to take over Braga’s reserve team, where he quickly made an impact by winning seven of eight games.
Amorim’s big break came when he was promoted to Braga’s first team, taking over at a time when the club was sitting eighth in the Primeira Liga. His tactical acumen saw Braga rise to third place by the season’s end, culminating in a Taca da Liga victory their first trophy in four years, and ending a 65-year wait for an away win at Benfica.
His success at Braga led to a significant career move to Sporting Lisbon, where he was appointed manager in March 2020. Sporting invested around $10 million in his release clause, making him one of the most expensive managerial signings at that time. Under Amorim’s guidance, Sporting finished fourth in his first season and then embarked on a remarkable journey during the 2020-21 season, clinching their first league title in 19 years and earning Amorim the Primeira Liga Manager of the Year award.
Since then, Sporting has continued to thrive under Amorim’s leadership, winning multiple trophies, including back-to-back Taca da Liga titles, and finishing second in the league in 2021-22. The 2023-24 season has seen Sporting start strongly, with nine consecutive league victories and a solid performance in the UEFA Champions League.
Tactical Philosophy
Amorim is known for his tactical flexibility, often employing a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation that emphasizes positional play. This approach stems from his early coaching experiences, where he quickly adapted to find a system that produced attractive and effective football.
According to journalist Guillem Balague, Amorim’s breakthrough moment came during his time at Casa Pia when he switched to a back three after a rough start. This tactical shift not only turned around his fortunes at the club but also laid the foundation for his coaching philosophy, which prioritizes ball possession, defensive stability, and an aggressive pressing game.
His teams build attacks from the back, utilizing center-backs to initiate play and often rotating positions among the front three to exploit defensive gaps. Amorim has also demonstrated an ability to develop talent, with several players under his tutelage moving on to bigger clubs, including Joao Palhinha and Pedro Porro, while forward Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a breakout star this season.
Conclusion
Ruben Amorim’s potential appointment as Manchester United’s new manager marks an exciting chapter for the club, which is eager to rejuvenate its fortunes in both domestic and European competitions. With a track record of success, a modern tactical approach, and a knack for developing young talent, Amorim could very well be the catalyst United needs to return to the pinnacle of football. As the club embarks on this journey, fans will undoubtedly hope that Amorim can replicate his success in Portugal and bring glory back to Old Trafford.
