Ruben Amorim Emerges as Top Candidate to Lead Manchester United Following Ten Hag's Dismissal

Posted : 31 October 2024

Ruben Amorim has transformed from coaching a little-known reserve team to becoming a pivotal figure in Portuguese football, restoring Sporting Lisbon to prominence after a lengthy period of decline. At just 39 years old, Amorim has garnered attention from Manchester United, who view him as a potential savior for the club. However, they are keen to avoid drawing direct comparisons to the notorious "Special One."

This week, Manchester United made the decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag, an action many believe was overdue. Just days before his last defeat, a 2-1 loss to a depleted West Ham, Ten Hag had appealed to the media and management for more time to improve the team's performance. However, with the club languishing in 14th place after nine games and struggling in the Europa League, patience has clearly run out. The new management under Jim Ratcliffe had granted him more time than warranted, as the team has not performed well since securing the League Cup in February 2023.

As United looks to appoint a successor to Ten Hag, Amorim is reportedly a leading candidate, with the club prepared to pay his €10 million release clause to bring him from Sporting Lisbon. Unlike Ten Hag, Amorim is likely to understand the urgent need for results at Old Trafford, given the considerable gap that must be addressed. Throughout his brief managerial career, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to start strong, most notably guiding Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during the 2020/21 season. This remarkable achievement was made even more impressive considering Sporting's historical dominance by rivals Porto and Benfica, who had shared the previous 18 titles.

Amorim’s success has not solely been measured by titles; he has also fostered a significant cultural change within Sporting Lisbon. Before his tenure, the club faced serious turmoil, including a shocking incident in 2018 where a group of masked fans invaded the training facility and assaulted players. This led to several key players leaving and the ousting of the club's president. Yet, just three years later, under Amorim's leadership, Sporting celebrated a championship, marking a new era of stability and success.

His achievements have continued beyond the league title. Despite losing key players to lucrative transfers, Amorim has led Sporting to the Champions League knockout stage for the first time in over a decade and secured two league titles along with the Portuguese Supercup. This season, Sporting remains unbeaten in league play, with a perfect record after nine matches and impressive performances in European competitions. Amorim's tactical flexibility has been evident, as he has adapted his team’s style while maintaining a strong foundation. The acquisition of Viktor Gioukers for €24 million, who has already made a significant impact, underscores his ability to recruit talent effectively.

Amorim's rise has been a topic of discussion for some time, with speculation linking him to other top clubs. He has drawn attention from Liverpool as a possible successor to Jurgen Klopp and was approached by West Ham for their managerial vacancy. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, who previously played under Amorim at Sporting, believes he possesses the skills necessary to succeed at a larger club, emphasizing the readiness for Amorim to take on new challenges.

While Amorim has been compared to his compatriot Jose Mourinho, he prefers to carve out his own identity. Unlike Mourinho's more defensive approach, Amorim's teams are known for their attacking style and attractive football. He also differs in his media interactions and player relationships, with Cristiano Ronaldo even labeling him a "poet" for his expressive nature.

As Manchester United grapples with its own challenges, Amorim’s proven track record in rejuvenating a troubled team may be just what the club needs to restore its former glory. With a history of turning around disappointing situations, he represents a fresh opportunity for a club seeking to rebuild since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Ruben Amorim Emerges as Top Candidate to Lead Manchester United Following Ten Hag's Dismissal

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