New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s heartfelt apology to Sporting Lisbon, and the club’s fans, is an early indication that the Red Devils are set to welcome a leader of both humility and integrity.
Despite bowing out from Sporting Lisbon as a revered figure following his two Primeira Liga title victories, Amorim’s tenure in Portugal wasn’t without controversy. Coveted by many top European outfits, owing to his triumphs in Lisbon, Amorim flew out to London for discussions with possible future employers West Ham regarding their managerial vacancy in April this year.
Yet those negotiations swiftly came to an end with no agreement in sight. Compounding matters was the timing of his London venture, occurring mid-season and alarmingly close to his side’s clinching of their second Primeira Liga title.
Ruffling the feathers of Sporting fans, Amorim expressed regret over his trip in the follow-up press conference where he conceded he had been ‘disrespectful’ in engaging with another club whilst still employed. “What is important to say is that it was obviously a mistake,” the 39-year-old coach said.
“The trip was a mistake, the timing was completely misjudged, which I did not see at the time. It was misjudged.” he added. With the Theatre of Dreams now set to be his stage, after being linked with several teams, United supporters will regard his candid admission as evidence they’ve secured the services of an earnest and straightforward manager.
Despite initial indications that Amorim might take the helm at West Ham, it was later disclosed that the Hammers’ top brass were deterred by the former Sporting manager’s lack of experience outside Portugal. The ex-Benfica midfielder has previously managed two other Portuguese clubs, Casa Pia and Braga.
The Daily Mail reported that Iron’s executives rejected Amorim in favour of a more seasoned and globally experienced manager. However, West Ham were not the only Premier League team showing interest in Amorim.
Liverpool and Manchester City both decided against pursuing the head coach, believing his preferred formation wouldn’t mesh with their system. After Jurgen Klopp left the club, it was thought that Liverpool seriously considered Amorim before eventually appointing Arne Slot.
Manchester City also showed interest in Amorim, in case Pep Guardiola decided to leave at the end of the season. However, both clubs reportedly felt that the new United boss was too committed to his 3-4-3 system – a formation they believed wouldn’t suit their current squad.
United have now paid the necessary compensation fee to secure Amorim, along with an additional add-on to ensure several of his coaching staff can join him. The Portuguese coach will officially begin his new role on Monday, November 11, marking the first managerial appointment under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ ownership.
Amorim is set to stay at the helm of Sporting for the short-term, with the Portuguese champions due to face Manchester City in the Champions League next week. There were some negotiations involved as Sporting were hesitant to let their manager go immediately, utilising his month-long notice period to their benefit.
Upon confirming Amorin as Erik ten Hag’s successor, a statement from United read: “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. He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club.
“He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November. 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.”
The announcement also disclosed that Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to lead United until Amorim steps in.