[By Abigail Philip David]
Ruben Amorim revealed that Manchester United told him it was a “now or never” opportunity, pushing the 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon coach to make a swift decision mid-season to help restore the club to glory in English and European football.
Amorim became the frontrunner for the Old Trafford job following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday after United’s disappointing start to the season. Amorim has signed a contract until 2027 and will officially take the reins on November 11, marking him as United’s sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Addressing his decision publicly, Amorim admitted the past few days had been a whirlwind. “The only request I had was to take over at the end of the season,” he said on Friday, following Sporting’s 5-1 victory over Estrela in the Portuguese league. “But I was told it was now or never. I had three days to decide, so I went for it. If I turned it down now, I’d miss the chance. I didn’t want to regret it.”
Amorim added that he received approaches from other clubs, one offering “three times” the salary United proposed. Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain as interim manager until Amorim arrives.
United hailed Amorim as “one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.” He will lead Sporting in their remaining games before the international break, including a high-profile Champions League match against Manchester City. His final game for Sporting is expected to be against Braga on November 10.
Amorim’s United debut is set for November 24, in an away game against Ipswich. United is reportedly paying Sporting €11 million (£9.5 million) in compensation for his departure.
**United’s Struggles**
Ten Hag’s exit followed a 2-1 loss to West Ham that left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. Despite major investment, they have only three wins from nine league games. Currently, the three-time European champions sit 21st in the restructured Europa League, with three draws so far this season.
Before their 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup’s fourth round, United had secured only one win in eight games across all competitions. Ten Hag, who led United to League Cup and FA Cup victories in his two full seasons, thanked United fans, expressing disappointment at not fulfilling his dream of adding more trophies to the club’s cabinet.
United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy said on Thursday he was “motivated” to guide United through this period and is preparing the squad for a crucial match against Chelsea on Sunday.
**Amorim’s Rising Reputation**
Once a Portugal international midfielder, Amorim began his managerial career with third-division Casa Pia in 2018 before moving to Braga. Sporting hired him in 2020, and he led them to their first league title in 19 years, a feat he repeated last season. Known as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches, he was previously linked with Liverpool before Dutch coach Arne Slot took over there.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand endorsed Amorim, praising his “character and charisma,” qualities he felt Ten Hag lacked. Ten Hag expressed his gratitude in a farewell statement: “My dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Sadly, that dream has come to an end. I wish Manchester United nothing but success, trophies, and glory.”
