Ruben Amorim, a former midfielder for Benfica and Portugal, hung up his boots in 2017 and soon after began his managerial career at Braga in 2019. His trajectory in coaching has been impressive; he took the helm at Sporting in March 2020, quickly making a name for himself as one of Europe’s most promising young managers. During his tenure with Sporting, he led the team to two league titles, demonstrating his strategic insight and effective leadership. Additionally, he has triumphed in the Taca da Liga—Portugal’s League Cup—three times: twice with Sporting and once with Braga.
Currently, it is anticipated that Ruben Amorim will be officially announced as Manchester United’s new manager on Thursday, with his managerial duties expected to start during the upcoming November international break. This marks a notable advancement in his career, transitioning from the Portuguese league to the highly competitive Premier League.
It has been reported that Manchester United has agreed to pay Sporting an added €1m (£840,000) beyond his €10m (£8.37m) exit clause to facilitate his early release from his current contract. Additionally, discussions regarding a nominal compensation for Amorim’s desired coaching staff are underway, emphasizing his plan to build a team that reflects his ethos.
In the midst of the negotiations, United’s CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth have been finalizing agreements in Lisbon. Key Manchester United officials involved in these talks returned from Portugal on Wednesday night, indicating that the managerial transition is almost finalized.
Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to oversee the team on an interim basis. After the Carabao Cup victory against Leicester, he expressed that he is “happy to help for as long as needed.” Van Nistelrooy has also shared that he wishes to remain part of Amorim’s coaching staff, suggesting a harmonious collaborative atmosphere moving forward.
Amorim is eager to bring along members of his coaching staff, including first-team coaches Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido, and Carlos Fernandes, along with goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital and sports scientist Paulo Barreira. This strategic move to assemble a trusted staff is vital, as the right support team can significantly influence a manager’s success.
The swift developments regarding this managerial shift have left Amorim in a thoughtful position, as he confessed uncertainty about whether Tuesday’s match in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-finals would be his final game in charge of Sporting. The club has expressed a strong desire to retain him as long as possible; however, with Van Nistelrooy providing interim management, there is an underlying sense of continuity during this transitional phase.
In summary, Amorim’s path from retired player to a young, successful coach is characterized by rapid advancements and notable achievements. His impending appointment at Manchester United signifies a new chapter not only in his career but also in the club’s rich history, with football fans globally eager to witness the impact he will have on the team’s future aspirations.

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