Newly appointed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim arrives at Old Trafford fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead as he takes on one of the most demanding roles in world football. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager departed Sporting Lisbon with a stirring 4-2 victory over Braga, rallying from a two-goal deficit in a fitting final act before his move to England.
Amorim, considered one of Europe’s most promising young managers, is set to officially assume his new position once his work permit is processed – a requirement now standard for European Union citizens working in the UK. Despite the bureaucratic delay, Amorim will be able to visit Manchester United’s training facility, Carrington, to meet staff and begin familiarizing himself with his new club.
Amorim addressed his departure from Sporting with a mix of excitement and respect for the gravity of his new role. “I feel ready for the new challenge,” he shared in his post-match comments. “I’m not naive; I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult. But I’m at peace now, and I can focus fully on my new job.”
Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, Amorim steps into a team looking to turn around a season fraught with inconsistency. United currently sit in 13th place with 15 points from 11 games – a stark reflection of their struggles, particularly in front of goal, where they have scored only 12 times in the league. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has managed an unbeaten run of four games, leaving Amorim with a stable, if still unproven, platform to build upon.
As Amorim contemplates the work ahead, he remains committed to retaining his authentic style and values, which were instrumental in his success at Sporting. “I won’t become a different person,” Amorim stated. “I know I’ll be fine. Whether it’s three months or 10 years, I’ll remain true to myself. I want to win, but I won’t lose my essence.”
Amorim acknowledged the difficulty of replicating his successes at Sporting, where he guided the club to two Primeira Liga titles and helped develop a style that relied heavily on a cohesive, attacking approach. With United’s struggles in scoring, questions have arisen about potential January transfer targets, including Sporting’s own Viktor Gy¶keres. However, Amorim has yet to identify specific needs, stressing that he’ll first evaluate his new squad and the demands of Premier League competition.
“We can’t go somewhere and try to replicate what happened here,” he explained, hinting at a fresh, adaptive approach to the unique challenges at United.
Amorim’s first competitive match as United’s head coach is slated for November 24 against Ipswich Town. His success with Sporting – known for his rigorous tactical approach and ability to build a cohesive unit – could serve him well at Old Trafford, though he acknowledges that the transition will require patience and flexibility.
