Manchester United has reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to appoint 39-year-old Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, with his official start date set for after the November international break.
This decision follows the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, who had managed the team for two and a half years.
According to a report from The Athletic on Thursday, United’s leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, traveled to Lisbon to finalize the deal with Sporting. Amorim has agreed to remain at Sporting to oversee three critical matches, including a high-stakes clash against Manchester City, before transitioning to Old Trafford.
To facilitate his departure, United will pay an additional €1 million to shorten his notice period. Sporting has also requested around €5 million to allow some of Amorim’s key staff members, including first-team coaches Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, and Carlos Fernandes, to join him in the Premier League.
Amorim has expressed a desire for a smooth exit from Sporting, where he has fostered a strong relationship with the fans, leading the team to two league titles—their first in nearly two decades. United has acknowledged these terms, recognizing Amorim’s dedication during his four-year tenure.
As part of the agreement, Amorim will remain with Sporting for their next three matches, including the one against Manchester City on Tuesday and a game against Braga on November 10. He is expected to take charge of United for their away match against Ipswich Town on November 24.
Since Ten Hag’s departure, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in, recently guiding the team to a victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. He is set to lead United through upcoming Premier League and Europa League matches until Amorim arrives in late November.
Amorim is known for his tactical flexibility and utilizes a 3-4-3 formation that emphasizes high possession and a robust defensive structure. Under his guidance, Sporting has excelled both offensively and defensively, currently sitting at the top of the Primeira Liga.
His coaching style is characterized by high possession and a dynamic approach to attacking play. Amorim has also shown a commitment to youth development, promoting talents like Goncalo Inacio, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, and Ousmane Diomande into Sporting’s first team.
Amorim’s focus on nurturing young talent is another aspect that has generated excitement at United. He has previously enhanced the performance of players like Pedro Porro and Manuel Ugarte, who went on to secure transfers to top European clubs.
His tenure at Manchester United will commence following the away match against Ipswich Town on November 24, with his first home game scheduled against Everton in December.
