Manchester United Appoint Ruben Amorim as New Head Coach: A Bold Move To Revive a Historic Club

Rayson Choo 01/11/2024

Manchester United has officially appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, signing him to a contract lasting until June 2027 with an option for an additional year.

This decision follows the club's decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed after a disappointing start to the season, which saw United struggling to maintain competitive form in both the Premier League and European competitions.

Amorim, who has been highly regarded for his strategic acumen and innovative style at Sporting CP, will officially join Manchester United after fulfilling his remaining obligations with the Portuguese club. He is expected to start in mid-November, aligning with the international break, giving him time to settle and strategize before taking on his first match against Ipswich Town in late November​.

This managerial change is part of a broader restructuring effort at Old Trafford, with Manchester United’s new ownership, including the recent involvement of INEOS’s Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aiming to elevate the team’s competitive edge. Amorim, a rising star in coaching, is known for his success in Portugal, notably leading Sporting to its first league title in almost two decades in 2021. United paid around €10 million to secure Amorim’s early release from his contract, adding an additional €1 million to expedite the move​

In the coming months, Amorim's tenure at United will be closely watched, particularly to see how he incorporates his tactical philosophy—often described as high-intensity and youth-oriented—into a team with established stars and growing demands for results.

Ruben Amorim’s managerial style is known for its tactical flexibility, modern pressing systems, and commitment to youth development. He rose to prominence by implementing a dynamic, adaptable 3-4-3 formation at Sporting CP, allowing his team to transition seamlessly between attack and defense. His system emphasizes high pressing, positional discipline, and a proactive approach to regain possession, which has led to efficient ball recovery and control in midfield. Amorim’s teams are known to stay compact and aggressive, pressuring opponents high up the pitch to disrupt their rhythm and force turnovers.

Another hallmark of his style is his focus on youth development. Amorim is credited with promoting and developing young players, which is reflected in his success at Sporting, where he integrated promising talents from the academy into the first team. This youth-oriented approach not only lowered Sporting’s average squad age but also revitalized the team’s style of play, helping them win their first league title in nearly two decades.

His emphasis on flexibility and adaptability makes him a good fit for a club like Manchester United, where he is expected to blend these tactics with the team’s existing talents while nurturing its younger prospects.

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