Ruben Amorim has finally been announced as Manchester United’s next manager, after intense negotiations to hire the Sporting Lisbon coach.
United quickly agreed a deal to pay Amorim’s €10m (£8.3m) release clause soon after sacking Erik ten Hag, but the move was delayed by talks over Amorim’s 30-day notice period with the Portuguese champions and agreeing terms to bring his backroom staff to Old Trafford.
The 39-year-old will remain at Sporting until the international break, with the Portuguese club adamant their head coach sees out his notice period - which means he will face Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
“Manchester United are delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements,” a statement said.
“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.”
Follow all the latest news and updates below as United officially announce their new manager:
Man Utd new manager: Latest news and updates
- Manchester United appoint Ruben Amorim as new manager
- When will Amorim take charge as first game delayed?
- Inside Manchester United’s ‘big club’ pursuit of Ruben Amorim
- How Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
- Amorim to speak to media after Sporting CP’s game versus Estrela
Sacked Erik ten Hag posts open letter to Manchester United fans as ‘dream comes to an end’
Friday 1 November 2024 20:34 , Jamie BraidwoodErik ten Hag has thanked the Manchester United fans for their “unshakable support” during his two-and-a-half years in charge, as the Dutchman reflected that his “dream has come to an end” after he was sacked on Monday.
United have appointed Ruben Amorim as their new head coach and the Sporting Lisbon boss will become the club’s seventh permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired when he begins his role on November 11.
After a promising start, Ten Hag met the same fate as every other manager who has attempted to bring success back to Old Trafford, and he was sacked with the club 14th in the Premier League table and struggling on the pitch.
But Ten Hag brought some good days and he won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in a memorable final at Wembley, in achievements he said he would “cherish for the rest of my life”.
Sacked Erik ten Hag posts open letter to Man Utd fans as ‘dream comes to an end’
How Ruben Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
Friday 1 November 2024 20:26 , Mike JonesIf Ruben Amorim’s task of restoring Manchester United to the champions of England looks nigh on impossible from the team’s lowly current position, at least he is a manager with form for remarkable transformation.
Amorim took charge of Sporting CP in March 2020, as a 35-year-old coach with only two months’ experience managing in the Portuguese top flight. He inherited a giant club without a league title in 18 years, in disarray on and off the field after the exits of key players Raphinha, Bas Dost and Bruno Fernandes – ironically now set to be his captain at Old Trafford.
Even in glory, Erik ten Hag showed why Manchester United had to sack him
Friday 1 November 2024 19:53 , Mike JonesIt says much about Manchester United’s decision on Monday to sack Erik ten Hag, as well as the club’s long-term indecision, that even the Dutch coach’s great victory offered reasons to make a change. In the days before May’s FA Cup final, the Dutch coach was insistent on going “toe to toe” with Manchester City. It was only after hours of internal debate, led by Darren Fletcher, that Ten Hag relented. He had to be told to go with different tactics.
United still persisted with the manager, even though the decision to make a change had largely been settled on before that final. That stance was revealed with how they essentially interviewed Ten Hag for his own job over the weeks after, in a first big move by the new Ineos football leadership. It immediately undermined another season. United’s multi-headed hierarchy couldn’t ultimately settle on the right replacement, which remains a problem. That, allied with initial fan emotion, was the only reason that the decision was delayed until now.
Even in glory, Erik ten Hag showed why Man Utd had to sack him
Manchester United finally appoint Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag and reveal start date
Friday 1 November 2024 19:15 , Mike JonesManchester United have finally confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as the new manager at Old Trafford.
United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dismal start to the season, and immediately opened talks with the 39-year-old Amorim about replacing the Dutchman. The club were willing to pay a €10m release clause to sign their top target before encountering issues over further compensation to acquire Amorim’s assistant coaches, leading the appointment to drag out all week.
But after striking a deal, Amorim will now leave Sporting CP following four years in charge, having won two league titles to end the club’s 19-year wait, and with the Sporting top of the Primeira Liga having won each of their first nine games.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on Ruben Amorim’s appointment:
Friday 1 November 2024 18:53 , Mike Jones“When I arrived here, my first message to the players was that I was sad, because a coach’s sacking is not good. I think it’s the same now with Manchester United. The sacking of Ten Hag is not good news but of course football is like that.
“I know something about Ruben Amorim because we have played sometimes [against each other]. I think he is doing very good work in Portugal, at Sporting. If Man Utd have decided to appoint him, it’s because he deserves it.”
‘Ten Hag cared about the club’ says Van Nistelrooy
Friday 1 November 2024 18:32 , Mike Jones“Yes I saw him Monday here and spoke to him before the game, he is very disappointed and touched. He cared for the club, the first conversations we had, I felt he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring the club forward. That is where we connected. He is also proud of his achievements here.
“In the end, it is also clear in football that is the results and Erik also said, in pre-season we had new staff and all were very positive and all working hard to bring the club forward.
“There are things you can’t explain sometimes. I also remember the Brighton goal we scored and then you concede the 2-1, so many games we felt we could get a better result, talking Palace, West Ham, Porto, Fenerbahce but we also know it is about results and that is part of our job.”
Ruben Amorim’s United could look drastically different from game one
Friday 1 November 2024 18:09 , Mike JonesRubem Amorim’s Manchester United could look immediately very different to Erik ten Hag’s.
Since last season, Sporting have the fourth-highest defensive line from the major leagues in Europe with 45.20m, with Man City top with 46.70m.
Arsenal sit sixth on 44.70m away from goal and Liverpool are 10th on 44.20m.
The Red Devils, under Ten Hag in that time, sit 41.70m away from goal.
Van Nistelrooy on whether he’ll remain as assistant
Friday 1 November 2024 17:50 , Mike JonesRuud van Nistelrooy on if he expects to stay as assistant: “We will see but it is the contract situation I am in and my desire to help the club forward.
“I can speak to you about my side of the story and after, when the new manager is signing and conversations take place, we have to see how things develop.”
Ruben Amorim has ‘character and charisma’ to succeed at Man Utd – Rio Ferdinand
Friday 1 November 2024 17:29 , Mike JonesManchester United’s new head coach Ruben Amorim has the “character and charisma” that predecessor Erik ten Hag lacked, according to the club’s former defender Rio Ferdinand.
In a video post on X, former England centre-half Ferdinand said: “I spoke to (former Manchester United and Sporting winger) Nani the other day and he said whatever you want to talk about, tactics or whatever, the players play for him, they love him and they respect him.
“One of the issues I think with Erik ten Hag…….and what Nani said about Amorim, is that he’s very straight and very direct.
“From what I’m hearing, I’m talking to people who played for (him), I think the character and the charisma compared to Ten Hag will be the big difference.”
Enzo Maresca opens up on history with Ruud van Nistelrooy after spell as team-mates
Friday 1 November 2024 17:04 , Mike JonesChelsea manager Enzo Maresca is looking forward to a touchline reunion with former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy when he takes the Blues to Manchester United on Sunday.
Italian midfielder Maresca and Van Nistelrooy played together at Malaga in what was the final year of the striker’s glittering career, sharing a dressing room in the 2011-12 season.
Van Nistelrooy will remain in interim charge of United until after the international break, with the club confirming that Ruben Amorim will take over on November 11.
Enzo Maresca opens up on history with Ruud van Nistelrooy after spell as team-mates
‘Will Amorim really change anything at Manchester United?’ 11 of your questions answered
Friday 1 November 2024 16:41 , Miguel DelaneyFollowing the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United fans have been left with a flood of questions — many of which surrounded the appointment of his successor, Ruben Amorim.
After intense negotiations with Sporting Lisbon, the club has now confirmed Amorim as United’s new manager.
Sporting has insisted that Amorim remain until the international break, meaning he’ll still lead them against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.
As the major appointment unfolded, I was on hand to answer questions from Independent readers on the wider implications of Amorim’s appointment.
‘Will Amorim change Manchester United?’ 11 of your questions answered
Van Nistelrooy on helping Man Utd
Friday 1 November 2024 16:24 , Mike JonesThe interim boss said: “I decided to come back here for a very important reasons, that I am here as an assistant, I came here to help the club forward and I am still very motivated to do so in any capacity, as an assistant and now an interim and after that I go back to my assistant contract that I have for this season and next. I am very motivated to stay here and help the club forward. That’s my goal.
“I can speak about my side of the story and when a new manager is signing and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.
“I want to do everything I can with my abilities to help this club.”
Latest: Ruben Amorim promises more clarity over ‘soap opera’ move to Manchester United
Friday 1 November 2024 16:00 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim said the “soap opera” about his future is ending as he suggested his move to Manchester United will be announced on Friday evening.
United will activate the 39-year-old’s £8.3m release clause with Sporting Lisbon but they are negotiating with the Portuguese champions to ensure Amorim does not have to serve a 30-day notice period, while they also want to agree terms to bring his backroom staff to Old Trafford.
Sporting hope to keep Amorim until the November international break - which would mean he would face Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday - and they host Estrela on Friday night, with Amorim believing he will be able to provide more of an update then.
Ruben Amorim promises more clarity over ‘soap opera’ move to Manchester United
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut outing proves Manchester United were right to dismiss Erik ten Hag
Friday 1 November 2024 15:39 , Mike JonesRuud van Nistelrooy always promised goals for Manchester United. There were 36 in his first season as a player, 44 in his second. There were seven in his first game as their interim manager, five of them for United. The third-lowest scorers in the Premier League, United discovered a prolific streak under him. If it is to prove his lone evening in charge of United, what a night for him.
It was a nostalgia trip when Van Nistelrooy headed down the tunnel at half-time to be serenaded by the Stretford End. The choruses of his name, the guttural growls of “Ruud”, may have transported them back to 2003, to a happier time, and if United can forever seek solace in their past, when actually needing to escape it, this was an enjoyable interlude before Ruben Amorim’s tenure begins, assuming it does and depending on when it actually starts.
Van Nistelrooy’s debut outing proves Man Utd were right to dismiss Ten Hag
Diogo Dalot reacts to Ten Hag sacking
Friday 1 November 2024 15:20 , Mike JonesDiogo Dalot spoke to Sky Sports after yesterday’s win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and gave an insight into the dressing room following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday.
“Yes it is [sad], we felt it.” he said, “The day after was a really sad day for us, for everybody. He was a man that breathes football 100%. This is what he loves the most but it’s part of football.
“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
“We wish him all the best and thank him for everything he did for us. Personally, he helped a lot. He helped him to break through at this club, he gave me all the confidence that I needed to show that I deserved to play for this club and overall we win two trophies together. We keep good memories.”
Dalot was also asked his thoughts on United’s potential new manager Ruben Amorim and he added: “Obviously he’s a good manager. We don’t know if he’s coming or not. We see the rumours like everybody sees it but we just focus on what we have here, doing on job then what the future brings we will be ready.”
Amorim to speak later today
Friday 1 November 2024 15:06 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim told the press yesterday that he will talk about all things Man Utd after Sporting’s match with Estrela tonight.
More updates after Estrela game
He said: “I know you travelled here to talk about it and that’s natural, but we’ll leave that until the end of the game [when] I’ll talk about all these issues. Right now I want the team to focus and me too.
“I promise I’ll talk about it at the end of the game [on Friday] and everything will be clearer. By talking now, it’s destabilising the squad further.
“Right now, the focus is on Estrela da Amadora. As for doing things differently, I wouldn’t. I didn’t control any of the situation.”
Van Nistelrooy on importance of playing for Man Utd
Friday 1 November 2024 14:53 , Mike JonesSpeaking ahead of Wednesday’s win over Leicester City, Manchester United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “It’s been a hectic day, especially yesterday when the players came in after Erik had gone.
“We had to stabilise and go out for training, get back to work and bring them in today for a team talk about our opponents and especially ourselves.
“What it’s about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans, who always support us. We want to give them a great night of football with possession and lots of attacks.
“That is what Manchester United is about, I tried to share that with the players and get them ready for game.”
It seems his team talk worked as United scored five past the Foxes with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scoring twice as they helped their side into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Will Van Nistelrooy have similar words of wisdom ahead of the weekend’s clash with Chelsea?
Ange Postecoglou on Ruben Amorim
Friday 1 November 2024 14:39 , Mike JonesTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou spoke in his press conference ahead of the weekend and touched on being drawn against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
He was asked about what it will be like to face Ruben Amorim’s United. The Spurs boss replied: “I’ve only just heard that Ruben has been appointed so he will have his feet firmly under the desk by then and I’m looking forward to meeting him.
“It’s a good draw in terms of it’s a home game which, for all clubs, is welcome because you know it isn’t going to be an easy game whoever you play.
“Being at home for us against a club like United, it will be a really good fixture, but you expect that at the quarter-final or semi-final stage of a competition.”
Amorim can handle step up says Carragher
Friday 1 November 2024 14:27 , Mike JonesJamie Carragher says that new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim can handle the step up to the Premier League and backed him to continue his progress.
He told Sky Sports News: “He’s a young manager, so it’s a huge job for him.. I don’t think he’s moved out of Lisbon too much, so even off the field it will be a big change.
“We talk about managers having not managed a big club but every manager starts somewhere. It’s a journey to get to the top.
“Sir Alex Ferguson had to make that jump from Aberdeen and had great success. It was a completely different stratosphere to Man Utd and that will be the same for Amorim.
“But that’s the journey managers take. They all have to make this jump. He will have to come up against that. Going up against Porto and Benfica will stand him in good stead because there’s huge competition in the Premier League now, with some of the best managers in the world.
“But Amorim has made huge progress already in his managerial career and he will want that to continue.”
How Ruben Amorim will change Manchester United – starting with three things
Friday 1 November 2024 14:19 , Mike JonesIf Ruben Amorim’s task of restoring Manchester United to the champions of England looks nigh on impossible from the team’s lowly current position, at least he is a manager with form for remarkable transformation.
Amorim took charge of Sporting CP in March 2020, as a 35-year-old coach with only two months’ experience managing in the Portuguese top flight. He inherited a giant club without a league title in 18 years, in disarray on and off the field after the exits of key players Raphinha, Bas Dost and Bruno Fernandes – ironically now set to be his captain at Old Trafford.
Russell Martin on Amorim appointment
Friday 1 November 2024 14:07 , Mike JonesSouthampton boss Russell Martin was asked for his thoughts on Ruben Amorim’s appointment and believes it will be a ‘good one’ if Man Utd’s technical director Jason Wilcox was involved.
Wilcox was a previous director of football at Southampton.
Martin said: “If Jason Wilcox has had anything to do with the appointment it will be a good one. He’s a brilliant coach, I’ve watched a lot of his team and they are brilliant. I admire the way his team plays. He’ll do a brilliant job at Manchester United.”
Man Utd hiring the ‘best coach in Portugal’, says Mourinho
Friday 1 November 2024 13:58 , Mike JonesJose Mourinho believes Manchester United are hiring the “best coach in Portugal”.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, which recalls how Amorim visited United’s Carrington training complex when Mourinho was manager in April 2018 for an internship. Amorim had started a postgraduate degree at the University of Lisbon and Mourinho was a coordinator and lecturer on its high performance coaching course.
Amorim, Mourinho remembers, was a “good kid” who sticks to his preferred style of play whatever the opposition, and who is “always intense”.
‘Amorim charisma and personality key’ says Carragher
Friday 1 November 2024 13:47 , Mike JonesMore from Jamie Carragher who says that Ruben Amorim’s personality and charisma will play a big role in his time at Man Utd and help separate his era from Erik ten Hag’s.
Carragher told Sky Sports News: “I think most coaches in the Premier League, and certainly the ones at the top clubs, are top-quality coaches. That’s why they get those roles. Where I felt Erik ten Hag faltered was maybe with his personality, his man-management, his charisma.
“He didn’t feel like he owned the room when he was in there when he was speaking to the press. I don’t know how it was with the players but Mourinho is someone who walks into a room and he has just got that aura about him.
“Jurgen Klopp, Sir Alex Ferguson, all these great managers who have won Premier League titles and European Cups have had that.
“With Amorim, there’s no doubt he is a quality coach. We’ve seen that with his record. He plays a slightly different system than we have seen from Manchester United’s previous managers, but he’s got to feel and look like a manager in control and that was sorely lacking over the last few years at Manchester United.”
Jamie Carragher on Amorim heading to Man Utd
Friday 1 November 2024 13:40 , Mike JonesSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher stopped by the television studio to speak about Ruben Amorim’s appointment and said:
“Amorim has had huge success in Portugal. People might sometimes look at the Portuguese league or Dutch league and say they are not at the level of the Premier League.
“But you can only manage the league that you are in and to do what he has done, winning two titles in four or five years, is outstanding. Even though they are one of the biggest clubs in Portugal, Sporting are not Porto or Benfica. It had been a long time since they had won it.
“So, he has got very good pedigree and he will be hoping to take that type of performance, and the trophies, into his job at Manchester United.”
Diogo Dalot excited to work with Amorim
Friday 1 November 2024 13:34 , Mike JonesManchester United right-back spoke to Sky Sports about the appointment of Ruben Amorim and called him a ‘fantastic coach’ and says he could be a ‘perfect match’ for the club.
He said: “He is a fantastic coach and knows what he wants. Very demanding is what I can expect. It’s a perfect match for a club like this. He has high standards and I hope it can be a good match. I hope we can win together.
“The Premier League suits people from Portugal. We have a culture of constantly trying to improve ourselves as we come from a small country.
“I really hope that it is one more case. I am really excited to start working with him.”
Rio Ferdinand reacts to Amorim’s appointment
Friday 1 November 2024 13:26 , Mike JonesFormer Manchester United captain and current football pundit Rio Ferdinand gave his thoughts on the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand presents, he said: “If Pep Guardiola had gone, I think that [Ruben] Amorim would have been someone that Manchester City were looking at. There are similarities to what Erik ten Hag was doing at Ajax but what I would say is that Amorim took a club that was on a barren spell.
“[Sporting] couldn’t compete with Porto or Benfica, hadn’t got near to winning the league - disenchanted fanbase, turmoil behind the scenes. He went in there and immediately turned their fortunes around. He changed their style of football, style of play, and expectations.
“I think the biggest difference between the two (Amorim and Ten Hag), from what I am hearing from people who have played for them but also been around, is the character and charisma compared to Erik ten Hag will be the big difference. United need someone with the character and charisma to go ‘you know what, I don’t care what has happened here, I see a player in you’. You need someone who is going to be like that.
“This is a man who built Manuel Ugarte, who has come to Manchester United. He built a £60m player. He changed the landscape for a football club. That is not easy to do. I don’t care what league you are in.
“I spoke to Nani the other day and he said ‘Rio, the players play for him, love him and they respect him’. He said Amorim is very straight and direct. Maybe there were inconsistencies in the way Ten Hag disciplined. You have to have clear lines when you approach these topics and players.”
Van Nistelrooy hails Casemiro impact after stunning strike vs Leicester
Friday 1 November 2024 13:17 , Mike Jones“The first goal was an unbelievable, top goal - fantastic finish,” Van Nistelrooy told MUTV.
“I’m delighted for him that the first goal went in. I was delighted for Case, the way he’s been training and helping the team and the club, he’s such an example. You also see the crowd’s reaction and they also know what he’s about.
“Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, he got a lot of criticism. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that, it was not true. “If you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and all he has achieved with five Champions Leagues, he’s an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I’m happy for him.”
Amorim’s trophy haul
Friday 1 November 2024 13:08 , Mike JonesManchester United have hired a winner in Ruben Amorim who already has five trophies to his name as a manager. Here’s a look as what he’s won so far:
Taca de Liga - Braga (2019-20)
Primeira Liga - Sporting (2020-21, 2023-24)
Taca de Liga - Sporting (2020-21, 2021-22)
Supertaca Candido de Oliveira - Sporting (2021)
Will he add some English titles to his list this season? United are already through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals so he has a good chance.
Manchester United’s seven managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — and how each has fared
Friday 1 November 2024 13:01 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Manchester United for 27 years, but the club have now appointed a seventh full-time boss since the Scot retired in 2013. Here is a look at the record of those to have followed Ferguson, ahead of Amorim taking over:
Erik ten Hag (July 2022-October 2024)
Record - P128 | W70 | D23 | L35 | Trophies: 2
Dutchman Ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford with a formidable reputation having guided Ajax to three Eredivisie titles. He ended the club’s six-year wait for a major trophy when they lifted the Carabao Cup in February last year before leading them to a top-three finish and Champions League qualification.
However, a miserable second season blighted by injuries and faltering form saw United exit Europe after the group stage and finish eighth in the Premier League, their worst ever return.
They did beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final to temper that but made a disappointing start to this term, where they sat in 14th place following defeat by West Ham when Ten Hag departed.
Manchester United’s seven managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — and how each has fared
Friday 1 November 2024 12:57 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Manchester United for 27 years, but the club have now appointed a seventh full-time boss since the Scot retired in 2013. Here is a look at the record of those to have followed Ferguson, ahead of Amorim taking over:
Ralf Rangnick (December 2021–May 2022)
Record - P29 | W11| D10 | L8 | Trophies: 0
The German was drafted in as interim boss with a view to transitioning to a two-year consultancy role, but never took up the extended job after accepting the post of manager of the Austria national team.
Rangnick guided the club to a sixth-placed finish with their lowest Premier League points tally of 58 while all the time talking up the overhaul required to revitalise the club.
Manchester United’s seven managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — and how each has fared
Friday 1 November 2024 12:53 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Manchester United for 27 years, but the club have now appointed a seventh full-time boss since the Scot retired in 2013. Here is a look at the record of those to have followed Ferguson, ahead of Amorim taking over:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (December 2018-November 2021)
Record - P168 | W91 | D37 | L40 | Trophies: 0
The former United striker transformed the mood at Old Trafford after initially taking charge on a caretaker basis, winning 14 from 19 games to earn the job permanently.
Solskjaer led United to third in 2019-20 and runners-up a year later, when they also lost the Europa League final on penalties. But despite the progress made, the 1999 treble hero paid for a series of poor performances when he lost his job in November 2021.
Manchester United’s seven managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — and how each has fared
Friday 1 November 2024 12:49 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Manchester United for 27 years, but the club have now appointed a seventh full-time boss since the Scot retired in 2013. Here is a look at the record of those to have followed Ferguson, ahead of Amorim taking over:
Jose Mourinho (May 2016-December 2018)
Record - P144 | W84 | D32 | L28 | Trophies: 2
The much-decorated Portuguese initially breathed new life into the club, winning a cup double in 2017 and securing a runners-up finish in the Premier League in 2018.
However, his defensive brand of football did not delight fans and his abrasive character, with constant rumours about problems with Paul Pogba, affected the dressing room and results suffered before his sacking in December 2018.
Mourinho was sacked after two and a half years in charge at Roma in January and, after being appointed as Fenerbahce boss in June, oversaw the Turkish club’s 1-1 Europa League draw with United in Istanbul last month.
Manchester United’s seven managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — and how each has fared
Friday 1 November 2024 12:45 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Manchester United for 27 years, but the club have now appointed a seventh full-time boss since the Scot retired in 2013. Here is a look at the record of those to have followed Ferguson, ahead of Amorim taking over:
Louis van Gaal (May 2014-May 2016)
Record - P103 | W54 | D25 | L24 | Trophies: 1
The tough-talking Dutchman delivered the FA Cup in his second season, but United’s fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, coupled with criticism of his side’s ponderous style and lack of goals, led to his departure.
Van Gaal returned to management in a third stint as Netherlands head coach in 2021, but quit after their exit from the 2022 World Cup and last year rejoined former club Ajax as an advisor.
Manchester United’s seven managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired — and how each has fared
Friday 1 November 2024 12:41 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Manchester United for 27 years, but the club have now appointed a seventh full-time boss since the Scot retired in 2013. Here is a look at the record of those to have followed Ferguson, ahead of Amorim taking over:
David Moyes (June 2013-April 2014)
Record - P51 | W27 | D9 | L15| Trophies: 0
Moyes was seen as the ideal Ferguson successor and handed a six-year contract but, after 11 years at Everton, he lasted just 10 months at Old Trafford, paying the price for a dismal campaign in which United failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1995.
After years of further struggle at various clubs, Moyes rekindled his career at West Ham, leading the club to Europa Conference League glory in 2023 before stepping down 12 months later.
Ruben Amorim emerged as only Man Utd candidate thanks to three clear reasons
Friday 1 November 2024 12:36 , Richard JollyRuben Amorim has been appointed Manchester United head coach and has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Old Trafford.
United, who will have a club option to extend Amorim’s contract by a further year until 2028, believe they have appointed the most exciting young manager in Europe.
Ruben Amorim emerged as only Man Utd candidate thanks to three clear reasons
Ruben Amorim’s appointment could be the key to unlocking Bruno Fernandes’ true potential
Friday 1 November 2024 12:32 , Mike JonesIt seems somewhat foolish to suggest there is more to come from the player who has created more chances than anyone else in the Premier League since he arrived on our shores.
But since the start of the season, Bruno Fernandes has looked every inch a weary captain, having carried his underperforming troops from all too many battlefields.
Two years of Erik ten Hag’s limited tactical acumen and inability to instil any form of stylistic identity had taken its toll on the only signing from the post-Ferguson era who can look himself in the mirror and say he justifies his price tag.
Amorim’s appointment could be the key to unlocking Fernandes’ true potential
Amorim appointed during international break
Friday 1 November 2024 12:28 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim will take charge of Manchester United on 11 November and will have time to assess his squad before he takes charge of his first match.
There are 13 days between his first day and his first game which will be away to Ipswich in the Premier League on Sunday 24 November.
Can he instill a style of play in the team in such a short time frame? Maybe.
Manchester United upcoming fixtures
Friday 1 November 2024 12:25 , Mike JonesUnder Ruud van Nistelrooy
Sunday 3 November: vs Chelsea (H), Premier League
Thursday 7 November: vs PAOK (H), Europa League
Sunday 10 November: vs Leicester (H), Premier League
Under Ruben Amorim
Sunday 24 November: vs Ipswich (A), Premier League
Thursday 28 November: vs Bodo/Glimt (H), Europa League
Sunday 1 December: vs Everton (H), Premier League
Wednesday 4 December: vs Arsenal (A), Premier League
Saturday 7 December: vs Nottingham Forest (H), Premier League
When is Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester United game?
Friday 1 November 2024 12:21 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has been announced as Manchester United’s new manager but his first game in charge will not come until mid-November.
The 39-year-old will remain at Sporting Lisbon until the international break with the Portuguese club adamant their head coach sees out his notice period.
Amorim’s first match in charge will therefore be an away trip to Ipswich Town on November 24, which will be quickly followed by home games against Bodo/Glimt and Everton.
United pay more for swift exit
Friday 1 November 2024 12:17 , Mike JonesManchester United wanted to appoint Ruben Amorim quickly following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday. A week is a long time in football and Sporting CP’s head coach will be the new man in the dugout at Old Trafford.
Negotiations took place quickly with United triggering Ruben Amorim’s release clause but there were issues over a notice period.
In Portugal, Amorim had to give a 30-day notice period to leave his role but Sporting agreed to cut that short for an extra €1m (£840,000) on top of his €10m (£8.4m) exit clause.
United paid up to get their man.
Will Van Nistelrooy stay?
Friday 1 November 2024 12:13 , Mike JonesRuud van Nistelrooy has stressed that he wants to remain at Manchester United in his role as assistant manager when Ruben Amorim takes over at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman has a two-year contract with the club but the current interim manager admits that he will need a discussion with the new boss to see if that is an agreeable arrangement.
Inside Manchester United’s ‘big club’ pursuit of Ruben Amorim and why he needed convincing
Friday 1 November 2024 12:10 , Mike JonesIt was at the start of the October international window, around the time Manchester United’s hierarchy held a now infamous seven-hour meeting deliberating on the future of Erik ten Hag, that the club first approached Ruben Amorim. The initial response wasn’t effusive, which is one reason Ten Hag remained in a job that bit longer than he might have. Although many in football expected the situation to continue interminably, this time there was a difference. United, in the words of one senior football figure, were going to “start acting like a big club”.
Amorim had been open to the move but was reluctant to leave Sporting mid-season. In the way that often happens in such situations, however, the sense of opportunity was persistently playing on his mind. United similarly felt there was a chance for a statement. Liverpool got close to Amorim last season. Manchester City were thought to be considering the 39-year-old as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, although it was conspicuous how keen figures within the champions were to point out there was no active interest. Major clubs like Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been monitoring him. United saw this was a rare chance to get “the next big thing”. They went back in strong, and Amorim was open to it. He realised how much he wanted the job.
Inside Man Utd’s ‘big club’ pursuit of Ruben Amorim and why he needed convincing
Manchester United finally appoint Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag and reveal start date
Friday 1 November 2024 12:06 , Mike JonesManchester United have finally confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as the new manager at Old Trafford.
United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dismal start to the season, and immediately opened talks with the 39-year-old Amorim about replacing the Dutchman. The club were willing to pay a €10m release clause to sign their top target before encountering issues over further compensation to acquire Amorim’s assistant coaches, leading the appointment to drag out all week.
When will we hear from Amorim?
Friday 1 November 2024 12:05 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim spoke to the media yesterday and gave assurances that he will discuss all things Manchester United following Sporting CP’s league match against Estrela this evening.
Amorim will be in the dugout for Sporting’s next three games, including against Manchester City next week, before joining up with United on the 11th of November.
Sporting’s match with Estrela kicks off at 8.15pm GMT tonight.
Full statement on Ruben Amorim’s appointment
Friday 1 November 2024 12:02 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim is the new Manchester United manager. He joins the club in 10 days time and has signed a contract until 2027.
The full statement of his announcement reads:
“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.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”
Ruben Amorim announced as new Manchester United manager
Friday 1 November 2024 12:00 , Mike JonesManchester United have formally announced Ruben Amorim as their new manager. The 39-year-old replaces Erik ten Hag as first team coach and will take over his role during this month’s international break.
The club’s statement reads: “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.”
It's done.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 1, 2024
Bem-vindo ao Manchester United, Ruben Amorim 🇵🇹🤝🔴#MUFC
Van Nistelrooy vows to stay and support next manager
Friday 1 November 2024 11:51 , Mike JonesAsked if he is happy to remain in interim charge as negotiations for Amorim continue, Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “Of course - I came here as an assistant to help the club.
“Now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed. And in the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further, to build towards the future and that’s what I’m here for.”
Amorim’s coaching set-up is among the matters being discussed and Van Nistelrooy, who returned to United in the summer as one of Ten Hag’s assistants, indicated he would like to be part of it.
Pushed on whether he wants to be part of the new backroom team at United, the former striker said: “As I said, I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”
What is the Carabao Cup draw?
Friday 1 November 2024 11:33 , Mike JonesThe latest updates coming out of Portugal are that Ruben Amorim will join Manchester United during the next international break. He would have a few nice Premier League fixtures to bed in before the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December.
The draw took place last night, here’s how it looks:
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle vs Brentford
Southampton vs Liverpool
All ties will take place during week beginning 16 December and the Tottenham clash could be the first real test of Amorim’s reign. Ange Postecoglou wants to win a trophy and the Carabao Cup may be Spurs’ best chance this year.
Fuelled by nostalgia, Ruud van Nistelrooy seeks to redefine his Manchester United legacy
Friday 1 November 2024 11:23 , Mike JonesIt is the comeback Ruud van Nistelrooy was not expecting. When he left Manchester United, it had the air of cruelty. He was the favourite who fell from favour, the clinical striker who was clinically dispatched. He was the fourth big name in five years to experience Sir Alex Ferguson’s brutality. Like Jaap Stam, like David Beckham, like Roy Keane, he felt the force of Ferguson’s wrath. No sentimentality was afforded because of his service to United. One by one, they were gone.
Eighteen years later, Van Nistelrooy is back. The United goals he used to celebrate were his own, the 150 he scored for the club in five seasons of devastating ruthlessness. Those he enjoyed on Wednesday were scored by Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes. He has traded the penalty area for the technical area. A seal of approval for the interim manager came from Ferguson.
Fuelled by nostalgia, Ruud van Nistelrooy seeks to redefine his Man United legacy
Paul Merson warns Ruben Amorim about jump from Sporting to Manchester United
Friday 1 November 2024 11:07 , Mike Jones“He’s done amazing at Sporting, I was over in Portugal last year and got in a cab, a massive Sporting fan, who was going mad about how he’d turned them around,” Paul Merson tells Sky Sports.
“This will be different, they play against Porto and Benfica, that’s it. One of the biggest clubs in the world. This is where it’ll start.
“You win one, draw one, lose one, you’re under pressure. He comes with massive regard, he’s done brilliantly so far, but this is five steps up.”
Van Nistelrooy on importance of playing for Man Utd
Friday 1 November 2024 10:39 , Mike JonesSpeaking ahead of Wednesday’s win over Leicester City, Manchester United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “It’s been a hectic day, especially yesterday when the players came in after Erik had gone.
“We had to stabilise and go out for training, get back to work and bring them in today for a team talk about our opponents and especially ourselves.
“What it’s about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans, who always support us. We want to give them a great night of football with possession and lots of attacks.
“That is what Manchester United is about, I tried to share that with the players and get them ready for game.”
It seems his team talk worked as United scored five past the Foxes with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scoring twice as they helped their side into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Will Van Nistelrooy have similar words of wisdom ahead of the weekend’s clash with Chelsea?
Erik ten Hag left ‘devastated’ and ‘completely ruined’ by Manchester United sack
Friday 1 November 2024 10:10 , Luke BakerFormer Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been left “devastated” and “completely ruined” by the sack from Old Trafford.
That’s according to one of his former teammates, Hans Kraay Jr, who played alongside the ex-United manager at De Graafschap.
As reported by Dutch outlet, Soccer News, Kraay said: “I understand that he is getting €17million and then people say: ‘he will go somersaulting through Manchester’. No, he is completely, completely devastated, he is completely ruined. At the moment you don’t think about money.”
Ten Hag left the Red Devils languishing in 14th in the Premier League despite spending £200m on players.
Man Utd interim boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy vows to stay and support next manager
Friday 1 November 2024 09:33 , Luke BakerAsked if he is happy to remain in interim charge as negotiations for Ruben Amorim continue, Man United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “Of course - I came here as an assistant to help the club.
“Now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed. And in the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further, to build towards the future and that’s what I’m here for.”
Amorim’s coaching set-up is among the matters being discussed and Van Nistelrooy, who returned to United in the summer as one of Ten Hag’s assistants, indicated he would like to be part of it.
Pushed on whether he wants to be part of the new backroom team at United, the former striker said: “As I said, I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”
Sir Dave Brailsford appears to drop major news in Manchester United’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim
Friday 1 November 2024 08:45 , Luke BakerSir Dave Brailsford has dropped a major hint that Ruben Amorim will be Manchester United’s next manager, appearing to tell fans outside Old Trafford that the deal was “done”.
United have been in talks with Sporting CP this week about prising the highly regarded manager away from the Portuguese champions, after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Sporting are holding out for a total compensation package that could top €15m as United seek to bring in two of Amorim’s assistants, Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido, as part of the deal.
Dave Brailsford appears to drop major news in Man Utd’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim finally set to complete ‘soap opera’ move to Manchester United
Friday 1 November 2024 07:59 , Luke BakerRuben Amorim said the “soap opera” about his future is ending as he suggested his move to Manchester United will be announced on Friday evening.
United will activate the 39-year-old’s £8.3m release clause with Sporting Lisbon but they are negotiating with the Portuguese champions to ensure Amorim does not have to serve a 30-day notice period, while they also want to agree terms to bring his backroom staff to Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has promised to stay in interim charge at Old Trafford as long as needed while the details are sorted
Ruben Amorim promises more clarity over ‘soap opera’ move to Manchester United
Man Utd hiring the ‘best coach in Portugal’, says Mourinho
Friday 1 November 2024 07:00 , Mike JonesJose Mourinho believes Manchester United are hiring the “best coach in Portugal”.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, which recalls how Amorim visited United’s Carrington training complex when Mourinho was manager in April 2018 for an internship. Amorim had started a postgraduate degree at the University of Lisbon and Mourinho was a coordinator and lecturer on its high performance coaching course.
Amorim, Mourinho remembers, was a “good kid” who sticks to his preferred style of play whatever the opposition, and who is “always intense”.
Ruben Amorim on how his players would react if he joined Manchester United
Friday 1 November 2024 06:00 , Mike Jones“Without a doubt, without a doubt,” Amorim admits when asked if his players would be mad with him for leaving. “But I don’t interfere in the players’ lives. Now I talk to the players, because I’m Sporting coach. I want to do well for the group.
“I talked to the board about how we are going to manage the squad. But without a doubt my players will be, if I leave, they will be disappointed in me and sad with me. But it’s part of life.
“That happened with me already in Braga. When I came from Braga, from Braga’s stability to here, that happened a little.
“And they were a little disappointed, because they really believed that we were building something special. But then things happen that change people’s lives. And so, it’s a difficult situation.
“I can’t give you more than that. I understand that the players are even disappointed, sad. But I have to live with it. And the important thing is that we reach the end and know how to explain everything.
“Whether people understand it or not, the important thing is to come forward and explain it. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
Van Nistelrooy on importance of playing for Man Utd
Friday 1 November 2024 05:00 , Mike JonesSpeaking ahead of Wednesday’s win over Leicester City, Manchester United’s interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “It’s been a hectic day, especially yesterday when the players came in after Erik had gone.
“We had to stabilise and go out for training, get back to work and bring them in today for a team talk about our opponents and especially ourselves.
“What it’s about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans, who always support us. We want to give them a great night of football with possession and lots of attacks.
“That is what Manchester United is about, I tried to share that with the players and get them ready for game.”
It seems his team talk worked as United scored five past the Foxes with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scoring twice as they helped their side into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Will Van Nistelrooy have similar words of wisdom ahead of the weekend’s clash with Chelsea?
More updates after Estrela game
Friday 1 November 2024 04:00 , Mike JonesSporting coach Ruben Amorim says he will talk more about potentially becoming the new Manchester United boss after Sporting’s match with Estrela tomorrow.
He said: “I know you travelled here to talk about it and that’s natural, but we’ll leave that until the end of the game [when] I’ll talk about all these issues. Right now I want the team to focus and me too.
“I promise I’ll talk about it at the end of the game [on Friday] and everything will be clearer. By talking now, it’s destabilising the squad further.
“Right now, the focus is on Estrela da Amadora. As for doing things differently, I wouldn’t. I didn’t control any of the situation.”
‘What makes me nervous is the situation itself’: Amorim on interest from Man Utd
Friday 1 November 2024 03:00 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim gave a press conference for Sporting CP earlier this afternoon and answered the majority of the media’s questions in Portuguese.
Here are some of his thoughts, translated by Sky Sport News, about the situation linking him to Manchester United.
Amorim said: “The relationship [with President of Sporting Frederico Varandas] is very good. there is no war. Tomorrow it will be cleared up, it is not in my nature or the president’s.
“The focus now is on the game, I felt the players were different in the talk, I could have said that the atmosphere was good and that nobody reads the news but I know the players feel anxious.
“There was no revolt at all, we are ready to win. There are things we cannot control, the clubs are negotiating and the coach’s decision does not matter.
“What makes me most nervous is very clear: the situation itself. Everything around me, makes me very nervous, it is difficult to focus on the games but I am managing to do so. The soap opera is coming to an end and the fact that I can’t be so clear creates a lot of difficulty for me.”
Amorim gives update on Man Utd situation
Friday 1 November 2024 02:00 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim was asked one question in English at the very end of his press conference about the negotations with Manchester United and why they are taking a while.
He replied: “It’s a negotation between two clubs, it is never easy. Even with the clauses it is never easy, they have to talk. We will have clarification after the game [against Estrela].
“It will be very clear, it is one more day, after the game tomorrow we will have the decision made.”
What is the Carabao Cup draw?
Friday 1 November 2024 01:00 , Mike JonesThe latest updates coming out of Portugal are that Ruben Amorim will join Manchester United during the next international break. He would have a few nice Premier League fixtures to bed in before the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in December.
The draw took place last night, here’s how it looks:
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Newcastle vs Brentford
Southampton vs Liverpool
All ties will take place during week beginning 16 December and the Tottenham clash could be the first real test of Amorim’s reign. Ange Postecoglou wants to win a trophy and the Carabao Cup may be Spurs’ best chance this year.
Sir Dave Brailsford appears to drop major news in Manchester United’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim
Thursday 31 October 2024 23:08 , Mike JonesSir Dave Brailsford has dropped a major hint that Ruben Amorim will be Manchester United’s next manager, appearing to tell fans outside Old Trafford that the deal was “done”.
United have been in talks with Sporting CP this week about prising the highly regarded manager away from the Portuguese champions, after sacking Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Sporting are holding out for a total compensation package that could top €15m as United seek to bring in two of Amorim’s assistants, Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido, as part of the deal.
Dave Brailsford appears to drop major news in Man Utd’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim
Van Nistelrooy hails Casemiro impact after stunning strike vs Leicester
Thursday 31 October 2024 22:34 , Mike Jones“The first goal was an unbelievable, top goal - fantastic finish,” Van Nistelrooy told MUTV.
“I’m delighted for him that the first goal went in. I was delighted for Case, the way he’s been training and helping the team and the club, he’s such an example. You also see the crowd’s reaction and they also know what he’s about.
“Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, he got a lot of criticism. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that, it was not true. “If you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and all he has achieved with five Champions Leagues, he’s an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I’m happy for him.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut outing proves Manchester United were right to dismiss Erik ten Hag
Thursday 31 October 2024 22:08 , Mike JonesRuud van Nistelrooy always promised goals for Manchester United. There were 36 in his first season as a player, 44 in his second. There were seven in his first game as their interim manager, five of them for United. The third-lowest scorers in the Premier League, United discovered a prolific streak under him. If it is to prove his lone evening in charge of United, what a night for him.
It was a nostalgia trip when Van Nistelrooy headed down the tunnel at half-time to be serenaded by the Stretford End. The choruses of his name, the guttural growls of “Ruud”, may have transported them back to 2003, to a happier time, and if United can forever seek solace in their past, when actually needing to escape it, this was an enjoyable interlude before Ruben Amorim’s tenure begins, assuming it does and depending on when it actually starts.
Van Nistelrooy’s debut outing proves Man Utd were right to dismiss Ten Hag
Ruben Amorim could meet Mikel Arteta early on in Man Utd reign
Thursday 31 October 2024 21:38 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim could lock horns with Mikel Arteta in the first few weeks of his Man Utd reign.
The Portuguese coach knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League in 2023 while in charge of Sporting. The sides meet on 4 December, with Amorim reportedly set to wait until after the international break until taking charge.
That would give him a run of games against Ipswich, Bodo/Glimt and Everton before a trip to the Emirates.
Van Nistelrooy vows to stay and support next manager
Thursday 31 October 2024 21:05 , Mike JonesAsked if he is happy to remain in interim charge as negotiations for Amorim continue, Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports: “Of course - I came here as an assistant to help the club.
“Now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed. And in the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further, to build towards the future and that’s what I’m here for.”
Amorim’s coaching set-up is among the matters being discussed and Van Nistelrooy, who returned to United in the summer as one of Ten Hag’s assistants, indicated he would like to be part of it.
Pushed on whether he wants to be part of the new backroom team at United, the former striker said: “As I said, I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals next steps of Manchester United manager search and message from club legend
Thursday 31 October 2024 20:30 , Mike JonesRuud van Nistelrooy said he had consulted with Sir Alex Ferguson before his first game in charge of Manchester United and revealed Erik ten Hag left Old Trafford hurt to be sacked but proud of his achievements.
The Dutchman won his first match as interim manager, 5-2 against Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and expects to remain the caretaker for Sunday’s match against Chelsea, even as United close in on Ruben Amorim.
Van Nistelrooy has not yet been in contact with the Sporting Lisbon manager but underlined that it is his “absolute goal” to stay at United.
Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals next steps of Manchester United manager search
Ruben Amorim’s appointment could be the key to unlocking Bruno Fernandes’ true potential
Thursday 31 October 2024 19:31 , Mike JonesIt seems somewhat foolish to suggest there is more to come from the player who has created more chances than anyone else in the Premier League since he arrived on our shores.
But since the start of the season, Bruno Fernandes has looked every inch a weary captain, having carried his underperforming troops from all too many battlefields.
Two years of Erik ten Hag’s limited tactical acumen and inability to instil any form of stylistic identity had taken its toll on the only signing from the post-Ferguson era who can look himself in the mirror and say he justifies his price tag.
Amorim’s appointment could be the key to unlocking Fernandes’ true potential
Paul Merson warns Ruben Amorim about jump from Sporting to Manchester United
Thursday 31 October 2024 19:04 , Mike Jones“He’s done amazing at Sporting, I was over in Portugal last year and got in a cab, a massive Sporting fan, who was going mad about how he’d turned them around,” Paul Merson tells Sky Sports.
“This will be different, they play against Porto and Benfica, that’s it. One of the biggest clubs in the world. This is where it’ll start.
“You win one, draw one, lose one, you’re under pressure. He comes with massive regard, he’s done brilliantly so far, but this is five steps up.”
Three traits Ruben Amorim will need to change Manchester United
Thursday 31 October 2024 18:15 , Mike JonesKeep the ball
Man United’s best performances under Ten Hag tended to be without an emphasis on retaining the ball – think of the rapid counter-attack to undo Manchester City in the FA Cup final. That is unlikely to be Amorim’s approach.
The numbers reveal Sporting’s style. His team dominated possession during his time in charge, averaging around 60 per cent in league games. They were careful with the ball, completing the league’s highest percentage of attempted passes (84.1 per cent, via fbref) last season and attempting the fewest long passes of any side. Their average passing distance of 16.8 yards was the second shortest in the league.
Read more below:
How Ruben Amorim would change Man Utd – starting with three things
Three traits Ruben Amorim will need to change Manchester United
Thursday 31 October 2024 17:50 , Mike JonesAmorim’s favoured 3-4-2-1
Amorim first tried a back three early in his coaching career and he quickly settled upon a preferred 3-4-2-1 shape. At Sporting the system could flex into a 3-4-3 with two wide forwards rather than typical No 10s, and occasionally he played with a 3-5-2, but Amorim rarely deviated from his three-at-the-back foundation.
When Sporting built from deep, two adventurous wing-backs hugged the touchlines to stretch the pitch, leaving space for confident centre-backs to either carry the ball upfield or play passes into midfield. At United, Lisandro Martinez could slot into the left side of a three-man defence while Matthijs de Ligt would likely be the central pin.
Read more here:
How Ruben Amorim would change Man Utd – starting with three things
Three traits Ruben Amorim will need to change Manchester United
Thursday 31 October 2024 17:28 , Mike JonesTrust in youth
Amorim inherited a squad which had been ravaged by the sales of key players, with Bruno Fernandes’s move to Manchester United being the most high profile. That money was barely reinvested in the transfer market, meaning Amorim had little choice but to build a team around emerging homegrown talents such as Eduardo Quaresma, Matheus Nunes and Nuno Mendes.
He did so brilliantly, and the young stars of his first title-winning campaign have gone on to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Matheus Nunes moved to Manchester City for £40m; Nuno Mendes went to PSG for £35m; Manuel Ugarte joined PSG for £50m, before moving to Old Trafford where he will be reunited with his former manager; Pedro Porro was bought by Tottenham for £30m.
Read more below:
How Ruben Amorim would change Man Utd – starting with three things
Van Nistelrooy press conference
Thursday 31 October 2024 16:37 , Mike JonesManchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke about whether he will be in charge of the club on Sunday.
He said: “I am guessing that too, as I said I was told it is going to be a short job as an interim, I was happy with that, I felt that I was called upon to help the club in the situation and obviously it was difficult, Erik had to leave, with mixed feelings but you have to switch the mindset to win, at the end 75,000 people waiting and millions watching at home.
“That is what we try to do and same on Sunday.”
Ruben Amorim put in tricky position amid Man Utd negotiations
Thursday 31 October 2024 16:21 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat did Ruben Amorim say about Manchester United?
“It’s a negotiation between two clubs. It’s never easy, even with the [release] clauses. They have to talk. We will have clarification after the game, it will be very clear. So it’s one more day and after the game tomorrow, we will have a decision made. We’ll leave that until the end of the game [when] I’ll talk about all these issues. Right now I want the team to focus and me too.
“I promise I’ll talk about it at the end of the game and everything will be clearer. By talking now, it’s destabilising the squad further. Right now, the focus is on Estrela da Amadora. As for doing things differently, I wouldn’t. I didn’t control any of the situation.”
Ruben Amorim on how his players would react if he joined Manchester United
Thursday 31 October 2024 15:48 , Mike Jones“Without a doubt, without a doubt,” Amorim admits when asked if his players would be mad with him for leaving. “But I don’t interfere in the players’ lives. Now I talk to the players, because I’m Sporting coach. I want to do well for the group.
“I talked to the board about how we are going to manage the squad. But without a doubt my players will be, if I leave, they will be disappointed in me and sad with me. But it’s part of life.
“That happened with me already in Braga. When I came from Braga, from Braga’s stability to here, that happened a little.
“And they were a little disappointed, because they really believed that we were building something special. But then things happen that change people’s lives. And so, it’s a difficult situation.
“I can’t give you more than that. I understand that the players are even disappointed, sad. But I have to live with it. And the important thing is that we reach the end and know how to explain everything.
“Whether people understand it or not, the important thing is to come forward and explain it. And that’s what I’m going to do.”
Man Utd hiring the ‘best coach in Portugal’, says Mourinho
Thursday 31 October 2024 15:27 , Lawrence OstlereJose Mourinho believes Manchester United are hiring the “best coach in Portugal”.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, which recalls how Amorim visited United's Carrington training complex when Mourinho was manager in April 2018 for an internship. Amorim had started a postgraduate degree at the University of Lisbon and Mourinho was a coordinator and lecturer on its high performance coaching course.
Amorim, Mourinho remembers, was a “good kid” who sticks to his preferred style of play whatever the opposition, and who is “always intense”.
