Man Utd sack Erik ten Hag: Everything you need to know about rumoured replacement Ruben Amorim
With Erik ten Hag’s recent sacking from the Old Trafford hot-seat, Manchester United are rumoured to be pursuing Ruben Amorim as his replacement.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo takes a look at the Lisbon-born manager who seems to be number one on United’s list of contenders to replace Dutchman Ten Hag.
Amorim’s success at Sporting CP has quickly made him a highly sought-after figure in football, catching the attention of top clubs, and drawing endorsements from figures like Pep Guardiola, who recently praised Amorim as “one of the brightest young managers in football”.
Appointed in March 2020 for a record-breaking €10million (£8.65million) transfer fee - the third-highest fee for a manager - Amorim revitalised Sporting, guiding them to their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years in 2020/21 and securing the Taça da Liga in the same season.
These accomplishments won him the Primeira Liga Manager of the Year award, and he added another league title in the 2023/24 season, cementing Sporting's competitive standing.
Release clause
David Ornstein reported hours after Ten Hag’s dismissal that United were working to finalise a deal with Sporting to bring Amorim to Old Trafford, with talks centred around his €10million release clause.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim is interested in the United project, respecting Sporting but giving a preliminary green light for negotiations to proceed.
Amorim has created a formidable system at Sporting, who are currently the only side to hold a 100%-win rate across Europe’s top six leagues this season.
They boast the best defensive record in Europe’s top six leagues, with just two goals conceded over nine games, while their 30 goals scored are second only to Barcelona’s 37.
His preferred 3-4-3 system emphasises high pressing and organised, flexible defence - a style that has been compared to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea or Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, both of whom emphasise a possession-based approach with a pressing defensive scheme.
READ MORE: Man Utd analysis: Erik ten Hag sacked, Ruud van Nistelrooy named interim manager
Clear identity
Under Amorim, Sporting have developed a clear, consistent tactical identity - something United struggled to establish under Ten Hag, who often mixed between pressing high and adopting a mid-block defence.
Notably, Amorim has also proven adept at developing young talent and generating substantial transfer value from his players.
Some of the most prominent examples include Manuel Ugarte, who transferred to PSG for £51.1million, Pedro Porro to Tottenham for £44million, Matheus Nunes to Manchester City for £42.2million, Nuno Mendes to PSG for £24million, and João Palhinha to Fulham for £20million.
Amorim’s familiarity with recent United signing Ugarte, who under him was among the top 1% of midfielders in Europe in defensive metrics, suggests he could bring out the best in the young player at Old Trafford.
Caution from United fans
While some fans are optimistic about Amorim’s potential arrival, others are cautious, noting Ten Hag’s success at Ajax.
Ten Hag brought Ajax three Eredivisie titles and led them to a memorable Champions League semi-final in 2019, with a youth-focused, high-pressing style that initially thrilled United fans.
Despite his promising 73.49%-win ratio, Ten Hag ultimately struggled to adapt his methods in the Premier League.
With a 71.73%-win rate and a similar resume of success, Amorim brings a promising track record but also faces the daunting challenge of managing expectations at United.
If he accepts the role, Amorim will step into one of football’s most scrutinised jobs, with United fans hopeful for both immediate impact and long-term growth.
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