Manchester United appoint Rúben Amorim as new manager

Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on 11 November.

Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday after the Old Trafford hierarchy unanimously decided enough was enough as Sunday’s late loss at West Ham continued their poor start to his third season in charge.

United set their sights on highly-rated Sporting Lisbon head coach Amorim and have now confirmed a deal has been struck to bring him in on a deal until June 2027, with the option for a further year.

The 39-year-old will start work with the Red Devils on Monday week having overseen the Portuguese champions’ three remaining matches before the international break.

In his first full season in charge of Sporting in 2020/21, Amorim led the club to their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years, before they were crowned champions again last season.

He has also won League Cups during his time there, having won the same competition during a brief stint in charge of Braga in the 2019/20 season.

United, who confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager until Amorim’s arrival, said: “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.

“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.

“Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years.”

United sources insist Amorim was their first choice and the only coach they spoke to, highlighting his track record and suitability to the club’s new football structure.

The club sent a delegation to Lisbon on Monday to negotiate with Sporting aware that Amorim had a €10m release clause and a 30-day notice period, which they have managed to negotiate down.

Amorim’s backroom team will be confirmed later down the line, with his first match in charge being the Premier League trip to Ipswich on 24 November.

He becomes the club’s second Portuguese manager after Jose Mourinho, who was in charge from 2016-18.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said Amorim has the “character and the charisma” that predecessor Erik ten Hag lacked.

In a video post on X, former England centre-half Ferdinand said: “I spoke to (former Manchester United and Sporting winger) Nani the other day and he said whatever you want to talk about, tactics or whatever, the players play for him, they love him and they respect him.

“One of the issues I think with Erik ten Hag, and what Nani said about Amorim, is that he’s very straight and very direct.

“From what I’m hearing, I’m talking to people who played for, and also been around as a human, I think the character and the charisma compared to Ten Hag will be the big difference.”

Current United defender Diogo Dalot described Amorim as “a fantastic coach” and said Portuguese coaches had a habit of being successful in the Premier League.

Diego Dalot, quoted by Sky Sports on Thursday said: “He is a fantastic coach and knows what he wants. Very demanding is what I can expect. It’s a perfect match for a club like this.

“The Premier League suits people from Portugal. We have a culture of constantly trying to improve ourselves as we come from a small country.

“I really hope that it is one more case. I am really excited to start working with him.”