Manchester United have officially appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, with the 39-year-old Portuguese manager set to depart Sporting CP and join the club on November 11. Amorim will replace Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed last month, and is expected to lead United for the first time on November 24 in an away match against Ipswich Town.
Amorim, who has signed a contract through June 2027 with an option for an additional year, leaves Sporting after the Premier League club agreed to pay an additional €1 million (£840,000) beyond his €10 million (£8.4 million) release clause for early release.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager until Amorim arrives, and it remains undecided if he will join the new head coach’s staff.
Amorim emerged as United’s top choice during the recruitment process, with the club focusing solely on him as their ideal candidate. A former Portugal and Benfica midfielder, Amorim began his managerial career at Braga in 2019, joining Sporting in 2020, where he quickly gained recognition across Europe for his tactical expertise and impactful leadership. During his time with Sporting, he led the team to two Primeira Liga titles and three Portuguese League Cup victories.
Sporting’s initial decision to sign Amorim, paying a substantial release fee for a manager with limited experience, was initially met with skepticism. However, his success at Sporting has since transformed public opinion, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young coaches. His tenure at United is expected to bring a fresh tactical vision and a dynamic, engaging style of play.
Stay tuned as we explore insights from those familiar with Amorim’s rise and the elements of his coaching philosophy that could mark a new era at Manchester United.