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Ruben Amorim has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to replace Erik ten Hag as manager at Manchester United.
This comes after the club officially confirmed today that the Dutch manager has left the club.
In the same public statement, Man United revealed that Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to take over as interim manager.
Naturally, this has reignited the speculation surrounding who United’s next permanent manager will be. Among the frontrunners for this role is Ruben Amorim. By taking a look at his managerial background, it becomes clear that there are three key reasons why Amorim should be the favourite to replace Erik ten Hag.
1. His Track Record
Given the job that he has done at Sporting since arriving at the club in 2020, it comes as little surprise that United reportedly made “specific inquiries’ about the Portuguese manager’s availability to take over from Tem Hag.
Amorim won the Primeira Liga and Taça da Liga double in 2020-21, as well as the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira in 2021. His side retained the Taça da Liga in the 2021-22 season.
In 2023-24, Amorim guided Sporting to another Primeira Liga victory (Transfermarkt).
While his past record at Sporting is nothing short of impeccable, Amorim has outdone himself this season, unbelievably leading his team to victories in all of their first nine matches in the Primeria Liga.
In fact, this could be exactly the reason why United captain Bruno Fernandes has lathered praise onto Amorim, stating: “Since Mr Amorim took over at Sporting, they have become one of the teams playing the best football.”
2. Open to change
Reluctant to depart his role at Sporting Lisbon mid-season, according to The Independent, the Portuguese manager is reportedly one of the candidates that United are considering as their next manager.
Amorim himself provided a cryptic comment on where his future might lead.
“Regarding the future, I have an idea for the end of the season, but I won’t say it now. But the results and the context take us to something different,” Amorim explained, refusing to reveal his agenda.
This message shows that while Amorim may be committed to Sporting this season, he has left some wiggle room for himself to land a deal with an elite club such as United should they come knocking.
What’s more, the appointment of Van Nistelrooy as interim manager affords Amorim the opportunity to see out the season with Sporting and then plot a move to Old Trafford in the summer should Ineos be successful in luring him to the club.
Time is on his side
Unlike Ten Hag, who is 54 years of age, or the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson, who was 71 years old when he left United, Amorim is a young manager with plenty of years ahead of him. Just 39 years of age, he could be the perfect manager to build a winning team in the long-term future.
Several other managerial candidates, such as Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate, are significantly older.
Furthermore, Amorim’s enormous success at such as young age proves his indisputable managerial understanding and talent, particularly since he is managing to succeed without first accumulating decades of experience.
Given his impressive track record, potential near-term availability and relative youth, Amorim appears to be the best choice for United’s vacant managerial role. Ineos would do well to approach him before he is snatched up by another elite club.
