In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- Ruben Amorim has been appointed Manchester United’s new manager, replacing Erik ten Hag, with a contract until 2027 and joining on November 11.
- Sporting Lisbon agreed to his release for €11 million, and Ruud van Nistelrooy will manage United until Amorim’s arrival.
Ruben Amorim has been appointed as the new manager of Manchester United, succeeding Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed earlier this week.
The 39-year-old Portuguese coach, known for leading Sporting Lisbon to two Primeira Liga titles, signed a contract that will keep him with United until 2027.
Amorim is expected to take charge officially on November 11, pending visa approvals.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements,” stated the club on its website.
His contract extends until June 2027, with an option for an additional year, once he fulfills his commitments with Sporting.
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The club praised Amorim as “one of the most exciting and highly-rated young coaches in European football,” noting his achievements both as a player and a coach.
United highlighted his success in Portugal, where he led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years and repeated the feat last season.
While Amorim prepares to transition, former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager.
Amorim will coach Sporting’s remaining three matches before the international break, starting with a league game against Estrela on Friday.
Sporting will face Manchester City in the Champions League next Tuesday, and Amorim’s final match with Sporting is scheduled against Braga on November 10. His debut with United will be on November 24, with an away game at Ipswich.
Sporting confirmed an agreement with Manchester United regarding Amorim’s departure, which will involve a transfer fee of 11 million euros (about $12 million).
The agreement follows United’s decision to part ways with Ten Hag after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which left United 14th in the Premier League with only three wins in nine matches.
Amorim quickly became United’s top choice for the position. Sporting even made an official statement to the Lisbon stock exchange earlier in the week, verifying United’s intention to meet Amorim’s release clause.
When questioned in a press conference before Sporting’s game against Estrela, Amorim remained reserved, saying, “It is a negotiation between two clubs. It’s never easy, even with the clauses.”
Under Ten Hag, United saw some success, winning both the League Cup and FA Cup. However, with no Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, United’s legacy of 20 top-flight titles has been left untouched by five different managers.
Van Nistelrooy, who is managing the team on an interim basis, expressed his commitment to helping United through this transition, saying he is “motivated” to turn the season around.
He is preparing the squad for an upcoming match against Chelsea, determined to stabilize the club’s challenging season.
Amorim’s rise has been swift. A former Portuguese international, he began his coaching career with third-division Casa Pia in 2018, followed by a move to Braga before being appointed at Sporting in 2020.
His impressive leadership led Sporting to its first league title in nearly two decades. Recognized as a rising star in European football, Amorim was previously linked with roles at Liverpool and West Ham but ultimately opted for the opportunity at Old Trafford.