Ruben Amorim is gearing up for the biggest challenge of his managerial career as he prepares to take the reins at Manchester United. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach has enjoyed a successful tenure at Sporting CP, where he ended his time with a dominant 4-2 win over Braga, his team’s 11th consecutive league victory. As Amorim sets his sights on Old Trafford, he expressed both optimism and realism about the task ahead, acknowledging the differences between managing in the Premier League and leading Sporting in Portugal.
Amorim’s impressive record at Sporting, including a stunning 4-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Manchester City in his final home game, has led to his appointment as Manchester United’s new manager. The decision came after the club dismissed Erik ten Hag, with Amorim agreeing to remain in charge of Sporting until the November international break. Now, with his duties in Lisbon concluded, Amorim is poised to step into one of the most high-pressure roles in European football.
“I feel ready for the new challenge,” Amorim said following Sporting’s latest victory. “I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very tough, but I feel that I am ready.” These words reflect his calm but determined attitude as he prepares for life in the Premier League, where the competition is fierce, and the expectations at United are always high. Amorim added that after completing his final game with Sporting, he felt at peace, with his focus now solely on his new role in Manchester.
During his time at Sporting, Amorim achieved significant success, most notably leading the club to their second league title in four years last season. His tenure saw Sporting dominating Portuguese football, and they currently sit six points clear at the top of the Primeira Liga, having maintained a perfect record in the 2024/25 season. Amorim’s leadership style has been marked by tactical flexibility, but his preferred formation has often been a 3-4-3 system, which he is likely to bring with him to Manchester United.
“I know how I am going to play in the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know,” Amorim said when discussing his approach at United. “Then you will adapt with the players that you have.” He went on to explain that the ability to adjust his tactics based on available players and the team’s strengths and weaknesses would be crucial. However, with the limited time available for training, Amorim is set to implement a style of play he is already familiar with, confident that his players will gradually adapt to his methods.
A key challenge for Amorim will be dealing with a Manchester United squad that is in transition. Since the departure of Ten Hag, former club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as interim manager. Van Nistelrooy’s reign has been relatively successful, securing three wins and a draw in his four games in charge, including a 3-0 victory over Leicester City. Despite this strong start, Amorim has refrained from offering guarantees regarding Van Nistelrooy’s future at the club.
“About a legend of a club like Manchester, he did a great job,” Amorim commented on Van Nistelrooy’s interim role. “I have to talk with him tomorrow and then I will explain everything. I’m very clear and I will tell you like it is. So let’s wait until tomorrow. Maybe we are not going to talk. So let’s wait for the next few weeks.”
This level of openness shows Amorim’s pragmatic approach to the managerial position. While he acknowledges the success of Van Nistelrooy, Amorim understands that as the new manager, he will need to make decisions that are best for the team and the club moving forward. These decisions will likely include reshaping the coaching staff, selecting key players, and assessing what tactical adjustments are necessary to get the best out of the current squad.
Manchester United’s immediate future presents a unique set of challenges. Currently sitting in 13th place in the Premier League, the club is five points adrift of the top four, with a long road ahead to climb the table. Furthermore, their position in the UEFA Europa League is also concerning, with United sitting in 15th place, three points outside the top eight, which is crucial for securing a spot in the competition’s knockout stages. Amorim will be tasked with turning the fortunes of a team that is struggling both domestically and in European competitions.
Despite these hurdles, Amorim has shown time and again that he is capable of navigating difficult situations. His success at Sporting CP is a testament to his tactical acumen, leadership qualities, and ability to adapt under pressure. At United, he will need to draw on all of these skills to address the team’s weaknesses and find a winning formula.
One of the key areas Amorim will need to address is the team’s defensive stability. Under Ten Hag, United’s defensive fragility was a major issue, and although Van Nistelrooy managed to stabilize the side in recent matches, there are still clear areas that need improvement. Amorim’s tactical discipline and emphasis on organization will be critical in solidifying the backline and ensuring the team is difficult to break down.
At the same time, Amorim will need to get the best out of Manchester United’s attacking players. While Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and other attacking talents have shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been a problem. Amorim’s experience in managing high-performing attacking units will be key in unlocking the potential of these players and creating a more fluid, dynamic offensive unit.
In addition to tactical adjustments, Amorim will need to build rapport with the existing players, as well as the club’s board and fanbase. United fans, accustomed to success, will be looking for immediate improvements, and Amorim’s ability to manage expectations will be as important as his tactical decisions. It will also be crucial for him to instill confidence and belief in the squad, who will likely be eager to prove themselves under a new manager.
With a two-week international break before United’s next Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town, Amorim will have some time to assess the squad, implement his ideas, and begin the process of rebuilding the team’s confidence. United’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Amorim, as he aims to get the club back on track and competing for a top-four finish in the league.
As Amorim looks ahead to his new role, his calm demeanor and clear understanding of the challenges that lie ahead will be crucial. His readiness to adapt, combined with his tactical knowledge and leadership experience, make him an exciting appointment for Manchester United fans. However, the true test will come when he faces the high-stakes pressures of managing one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Ruben Amorim as he begins his journey at Manchester United, with fans hopeful that his managerial expertise will guide the club back to its former glory. The road ahead will not be easy, but Amorim’s determination and readiness to embrace the challenge give Manchester United fans plenty of reason to be optimistic.
