IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ruben Amorim is the new Manchester United head coach
Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach and will take charge of the Premier League club on November 11.
Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday after the Old Trafford hierarchy unanimously decided enough was enough as Sunday’s late loss at West Ham continued their poor start to his third season in charge.
United set their sights on highly-rated Sporting Lisbon head coach Amorim and have now confirmed a deal has been struck to bring him in on a deal until June 2027, with the option for a further year.
The 39-year-old will start work with the Red Devils on Monday 11 November having overseen the Portuguese champions’ three remaining matches before the international break.
United, who confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as interim manager until Amorim’s arrival, said: “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.”
United sources insist Amorim was their first choice and the only coach they spoke to, highlighting his track record and suitability to the club’s new football structure.
The club sent a delegation to Lisbon on Monday to negotiate with Sporting aware that Amorim had a 10million euros (£8.4m) release clause and a 30-day notice period they have managed to negotiate down.
Amorim’s backroom team will be confirmed later down the line, with his first match in charge being the Premier League trip to Ipswich on November 24.
Here, we take a look at what the Portuguese will have to get to grips with at Old Trafford.
Sort out form
It is the most obvious place to start but Amorim will be expected to turn results around quickly.
Ten Hag was ultimately fired because he was simply not winning enough games and the new man must hit the ground running.
He will inherit a side currently 14th in the Premier League after four defeats from their opening nine games and struggling in the Europa League.
Amorim’s first match will be away at Ipswich on November 24.
Provide a clear identity
A big criticism during the Ten Hag era was that there was no identity to his United side and it was a mystery as to how they would set up from one game to the next.
The new manager must change that and provide a team with an obvious personality and defined character – preferably one that attacks and plays on the front foot.
His Sporting team provided that, but whether this United squad will be to do the same in his preferred 3-4-3 formation remains to be seen.
Order some shooting practice
Ten Hag will have cleared out his office on Monday thinking about what could have been had his players scored some of their first-half chances at West Ham on Sunday.
