Rúben Amorim is rumored to be on the cusp of joining Manchester United as their next head coach. Here’s why he’s one of Europe’s hottest managerial prospects and why United is so keen on bringing him to Old Trafford.
Over the summer, Manchester United openly explored potential managerial options, including a high-profile flirtation with Thomas Tuchel. Although Erik ten Hag retained his position for the time being, it seemed clear that only a significant turnaround would secure his long-term role.
Despite narrowly avoiding dismissal in pre-season, Ten Hag’s time at the club concluded on Monday, after a two-and-a-half-year tenure that began with high expectations from Ajax. Many saw his departure as overdue, but the club is now firmly focused on its next steps, moving swiftly to court Sporting CP’s highly-regarded head coach, Rúben Amorim.
In contrast to their somewhat prolonged decision over Ten Hag, United appears set on a quick resolution with Amorim. Over the past few years, he’s been linked with top European clubs, and in 2024 alone, rumors tied him to potential roles at Barcelona, Liverpool, and Chelsea. He even held preliminary talks with West Ham, which he later acknowledged as a “mistake.” Amorim’s name has also been circulated as a future replacement for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, it now appears United may be poised to secure his services.
Amorim’s Journey to the Top
Amorim’s ascent in management began in December 2019 when Sporting Braga promoted the then-34-year-old coach of their B team. Following his appointment, Braga immediately displayed impressive form, with a resounding 7-1 victory in his debut game against Belenenses. Braga quickly proved themselves a force to be reckoned with, clinching five consecutive wins against major Portuguese sides like Porto, Sporting, and Benfica, including a decisive victory over Porto in the Taça da Liga final, earning Amorim his first trophy just a month into his senior coaching career.
This success turned heads across Europe, and in March 2020, Sporting CP took the bold step of paying a €10 million release clause to appoint him—an unprecedented fee that sparked widespread skepticism due to Amorim’s inexperience. However, the gamble paid off spectacularly.
To understand the transformation Amorim brought to Sporting, it’s essential to consider the club’s dire circumstances at his arrival. Sporting had not won a Primeira Liga title in nearly two decades and had regularly finished outside the top tier. Amorim’s arrival marked a decisive turning point; under his leadership, Sporting captured their first Primeira Liga title in 18 years in the 2020-21 season, nearly completing the campaign undefeated, save for an electrifying penultimate match against Benfica.
Although they couldn’t repeat their title-winning feat the following year, finishing second to an outstanding Porto side, Sporting’s fortunes were firmly revitalized. After a third-place finish in 2022-23 raised questions about Amorim’s future, he responded by reclaiming the title in 2023-24 with a significant margin, and Sporting started the 2024-25 season in flawless form, winning their first nine league games.
Manchester United’s interest in Amorim stems from his tactical prowess, his knack for revitalizing struggling teams, and his clear potential to establish a lasting legacy. As they look to rebuild, United sees in Amorim a manager with the tenacity and vision to guide them back to their former glory.
