Manchester United has finalised an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to appoint 39-year-old Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, with his tenure set to begin after the November international break.
The agreement comes shortly after United dismissed Erik ten Hag, who had been in charge for two and a half years.
According to The Athletic on Thursday, United’s leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, travelled to Lisbon to finalise terms with Sporting.
Amorim’s release comes with a few conditions; he will remain at Sporting to oversee three crucial matches, including a high-stakes game against Manchester City, before moving to Old Trafford.
United has agreed to pay an additional €1 million to expedite his notice period, while Sporting has also demanded around €5 million to allow some of Amorim’s key staff members, including first-team coaches Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, and Carlos Fernandes, to join him in the Premier League.
The Portuguese manager has expressed his desire for a smooth exit from Sporting, where he has built a strong bond with the fans after leading the team to two league titles, their first in nearly two decades.
United reportedly agreed to these terms, acknowledging Amorim’s commitment to the club he has led for four years.
“As part of the deal, Amorim is set to stay with Sporting for their next three games, including against Manchester City on Tuesday and Braga on 10 November, meaning he would first take charge of United away at Ipswich Town on 24 November.
“Sporting were determined to retain Amorim for this crucial period, and United have accepted these terms in recognition of the 39-year-old’s status at the Portuguese club and his desire for a smooth mid-season exit,” the report said.
United’s interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in since Ten Hag’s departure and led the team to victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Van Nistelrooy is expected to lead United for their upcoming matches in the Premier League and Europa League until Amorim’s arrival in late November.
Amorim’s coaching style is known for its tactical flexibility and his 3-4-3 formation that emphasises high possession and a solid defensive foundation.
Under his leadership, Sporting has excelled both offensively and defensively, with recent performances placing them at the top of the Primeira Liga.
The report added, “Stylistically, Amorim’s 3-4-3 — or more specifically, a 3-4-2-1 — is built on high possession, flexible attacking approaches, and a strong defensive foundation.
Last season’s addition of striker Viktor Gyokeres brought a more transitional, direct style of attack (Patient attack, 49 out of 99). It also highlights Amorim’s ability to adapt his style to the skill sets of his players.
Amorim has demonstrated his commitment to youth development by promoting talents like Goncalo Inacio, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, and Ousmane Diomande into Sporting’s first team and improving the team’s quality with the resources at his disposal.”
The incoming manager’s dedication to youth development is another quality that excites United.
Amorim has previously promoted young talents such as Goncalo Inacio and Matheus Nunes into Sporting’s first team, and he is renowned for enhancing player performance. Notably, he helped develop players like Pedro Porro and Manuel Ugarte, who went on to secure moves to top European clubs.
Amorim’s tenure at United will begin after the club’s away match against Ipswich Town on 24 November, followed by his first home fixture against Everton in December.