Manchester United appear set to pursue Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as their top managerial candidate, following Erik ten Hag’s recent departure.
Amorim’s impressive 3-4-2-1 system has propelled Sporting Lisbon to unprecedented success, featuring a versatile attack, high-press intensity, and solid defensive structure. This adaptability could make him an ideal fit for the club as it navigates a crucial rebuilding phase.
Amorim initially went under the radar earlier this year when United considered options to replace ten Hag. His reliance on a back-three formation, coupled with doubts about United’s squad suitability for such a setup, reportedly led the club to pause his candidacy.
Yet, as United’s performance has deteriorated and Champions League prospects seem increasingly slim, those reservations have softened, positioning Amorim as the favourite among club officials.
The Portuguese manager’s recent track record speaks volumes. Amorim led Sporting to their first league title in nearly two decades in the 2021-22 season, with subsequent triumphs, including a perfect nine-match winning streak in this season’s Primeira Liga.
Known for leveraging ball possession and building a compact shape when out of possession, Amorim’s tactics have been instrumental to Sporting’s resilience.
This structured style marks a stark contrast to the open spaces United often left exposed under ten Hag, which led to defensive instability.
However, challenges lie ahead. If appointed, Amorim will need to address United’s lack of a natural left wing-back, with injuries sidelining Luke Shaw since February and Tyrell Malacia since May 2022.
Despite a £600 million spending spree over recent seasons, United’s squad still lacks depth in key positions to support Amorim’s tactical vision.
Amorim’s coaching prowess has not gone unnoticed by other Premier League clubs either. Earlier this year, he was linked with Liverpool before they ultimately chose Arne Slot, and West Ham also considered him as a successor to David Moyes.
Most recently, his name has been mentioned in connection with Manchester City, where he could potentially reunite with former Sporting Director Hugo Viana, who is set to replace City’s Txiki Begiristain.
United’s interest in Amorim represents a shift from earlier scepticism to confidence in his ability to maximise player potential and nurture young talent, qualities he has consistently demonstrated at Sporting. Notable names he helped develop include Joao Palhinha, now at Bayern Munich; Pedro Porro, who moved to Tottenham; Matheus Nunes, who currently plays for Manchester City; Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain; and Manuel Ugarte, who joined PSG for £50 million after two stellar seasons under Amorim.
Securing Amorim may require United to trigger his €10 million release clause—the same fee Sporting paid Braga to bring him on board in 2020, a decision initially viewed as risky but ultimately transformative.
His experience with Ugarte, now at PSG, and his demonstrated ability to elevate players’ abilities are strengths United hope to harness to restore balance and cohesion across the squad.
Should an agreement be reached, Amorim’s appointment could mark a turning point for Manchester United, aligning them with a manager proven to deliver impressive results in a high-pressure environment.
