Reports have emerged indicating that Manchester United has secured an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to hire Ruben Amorim as their new manager following the departure of Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach left his position after a 2-1 loss to West Ham.
United is said to have formally informed Sporting Lisbon of their plan to activate Amorim’s release clause, which is believed to be approximately €10 million (£8.3 million). This comes after Amorim reportedly gave a verbal commitment to join the Premier League club.
Amorim’s first match in charge of United is scheduled for November 24 against Ipswich Town. However, before transitioning to his new role, he is set to finish his current duties at Sporting Lisbon, including managing their matches against Estrela Amadora, Manchester City, and Braga.
The task ahead for Amorim is challenging, and former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has underlined the importance of establishing a recognizable playing style for the team. Phelan noted, “He’s taking over a unique group of players, and he’s aware that recent results haven’t been ideal.
For United and their new manager, building a clear identity on the pitch is going to be essential. Who will they become under Amorim?” Phelan also emphasized the need for Amorim to make an immediate impact, given the high expectations from both fans and the club’s leadership.
Amorim is expected to introduce substantial changes to the squad and has reportedly discussed potential transfer targets with United’s management. According to Team Talk, some current players, such as Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, and Antony, may not align with Amorim’s long-term strategy. The club’s board is also said to share concerns that the contributions of certain players do not justify their substantial wages.
Marcus Rashford is reportedly looking forward to working under Amorim, anticipating that the new manager’s personable approach could help him find consistent form. Rashford, who has only managed four goals in 15 appearances this season, is hopeful that Amorim’s style will suit him and enable him to perform at his peak.
Tactically, Amorim is recognized for his preference for a 3-4-3 formation that emphasizes high pressing and ball possession. In attacking phases, his teams typically adopt a 3-2-5 structure, transitioning to a compact 5-2-3 formation when defending. This approach represents a significant shift from Ten Hag’s strategies, necessitating adjustments from United’s defensive lineup, which includes Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans.
Amorim will also face issues on the left side of defense, with Luke Shaw currently out due to injury and Tyrell Malacia unavailable since undergoing knee surgery in May 2023. As a potential solution, United is said to be considering Alvaro Carreras from Benfica, who could be acquired for a buy-back fee of £16 million.
Goal-scoring has been another area of concern for United, as they have managed just eight goals in their first nine league fixtures. However, Amorim brings a proven track record in offensive efficiency, highlighted by Sporting Lisbon scoring 96 goals during their title-winning campaign last season. He will aim to rejuvenate the attacking output of forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, each of whom has only one league goal so far.
Amorim’s appointment has brought a sense of optimism among United’s leadership and supporters, who are hopeful that his expertise and vision will bring the club back to winning ways. The months ahead will be crucial as he navigates these challenges and strives to make his mark at Old Trafford.
