Manchester United announced on Friday, November 1, that they have appointed Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, succeeding Erik ten Hag. The Premier League club is banking on the 39-year-old, regarded as one of Europe’s most promising managers, to guide them back to their former glory.
Ten Hag was let go from the job after a poor start to the season, which sees United in the 14th spot in the Premier League. Amorim has signed a contract with United through 2027, with an option to extend for another year. He will officially join United once he completes his duties with Sporting CP, where he has transformed the team during his four-and-a-half-year tenure. United also revealed that Amorim will be taking charge of the club on November 11, when the next international break will start.
The club also announced that interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy would continue managing the team till then.
“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,” read the statement.
Known for his engaging, high-intensity pressing and possession-based approach, Amorim led Sporting to Primeira Liga titles in both 2021 and 2024. Sporting currently sit atop the league standings this season as well, showcasing Amorim’s consistent success.
The Portuguese manager had constantly refused to indulge in rumours, with him keeping his focus on the upcoming games for Sporting. United will be facing Chelsea on November 3 and will also take on PAOK in the Europa League and Leicester City on November 10 before Amorim takes over.
The new United boss’ first game in charge is now slated to be the Premier League away game to Ipswich Town on November 24.