Manchester United is eyeing Ruben Amorim, Sporting Lisbon’s innovative coach, as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag. Known for his tactical expertise and mentorship under Jose Mourinho, Amorim has quickly risen through the managerial ranks, making a name for himself in Portuguese football. Six years after learning managerial fundamentals from Mourinho, Ruben Amorim, now 39, could be poised to bring his fresh approach to Old Trafford. But can he succeed where others have faltered?
On Monday, reports surfaced that United was negotiating a deal to bring in Ruben Amorim. Sporting Lisbon has confirmed the Premier League club’s interest, with Manchester United reportedly ready to pay an £8.3 million release fee to secure the Portuguese manager’s services. After successful stints with top Portuguese clubs and strong links to major clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City, this move to United could be his next big step.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Ruben Amorim’s journey to managerial success began with a rocky start at Casa Pia, a third-tier Portuguese club. After losing his first two games, he was close to quitting but turned things around with a tactical shift to a back-three formation, which led to an unbeaten run. This experience instilled in him a resilience and tactical adaptability that would define his career.
His big break came in 2020 with Sporting Lisbon, who paid €10 million to acquire him from Braga—one of the highest fees ever for a manager. Sporting’s investment paid off as Amorim led the club to its first league title in 19 years and went on to secure a second title. His achievements in Portugal highlight his ability to transform struggling teams and navigate high-stakes environments.
Playing Style and Tactical Approach
Ruben Amorim’s style is rooted in an offensive, spectacle-driven philosophy. Despite learning under Mourinho, known for a more pragmatic approach, Ruben Amorim has embraced attacking football, prioritizing control, domination, and aggressive pressing. His preferred 3-4-3 formation, with attacking wing-backs, has allowed him to effectively employ counter-attacking strategies while maintaining defensive solidity.
Sporting Lisbon’s 2020-21 title-winning team featured players now familiar to Premier League fans, like Manuel Ugarte and Pedro Porro, who thrived under Amorim’s system. Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who shares Portuguese roots with Amorim, has praised his tactical acumen, suggesting he could succeed in the Premier League.
Management Style and Influence
Ruben Amorim’s influence extends beyond the pitch. Known for his empathy and clear communication, he has fostered strong relationships with players and staff, creating a unified, professional team culture. His focus on discipline and professionalism has been a hallmark of his tenure at Sporting Lisbon. Former Portugal defender Abel Xavier noted how Ruben Amorim’s presence at Braga transformed the club, demonstrating his immediate impact even with limited resources.
Guillem Balague, a European football analyst, has described Ruben Amorim as a “sponge” for knowledge. The coach regularly studies the methods of successful managers like Guardiola and Pochettino, and his insatiable curiosity and dedication to continuous learning could make him well-suited for the rigors of the Premier League.
The Challenge at Manchester United
If appointed, Amorim would face a tough task at Manchester United, a club struggling to reclaim its former glory. With United currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, the expectations are high. Ten Hag’s recent struggles underscore the complexity of managing a high-profile team with deep-rooted challenges both on and off the field.
Amorim’s experience with Sporting Lisbon, where he navigated player sales and reshaped the squad to maintain competitiveness, may give him an edge. Marcus Alves, a Portuguese football writer, noted that Amorim’s management style prioritizes the club over individual players, an approach that could prove beneficial at United. His past success with revitalizing teams suggests he may have the skills needed to bring stability and success back to Old Trafford.
Why Now? Amorim’s Motivation to Leave Sporting Lisbon
Amorim’s career has been steadily progressing, but it appears he’s ready for a new challenge outside Portugal. While he has been linked to other prestigious roles, including a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Manchester United’s current vacancy might provide the perfect opportunity to test his methods on a grander scale.
Despite strong ties to Portugal, Amorim is reportedly eager to expand his horizons and is now seen as a mature manager ready for an elite European league. His willingness to move beyond his comfort zone, coupled with a personal commitment to supporting his players, may be the ingredients needed to restore Manchester United’s competitive edge. Balague notes that Amorim’s bond with his players and close ties with his early mentors reflect his unique blend of ambition and loyalty, traits that could resonate well with the United faithful.
