Manchester United have made their intentions clear: the club is ready to trigger the release clause of Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese coach verbally agreed to take the reins from Erik ten Hag. This begs the question: what changes can fans expect if the deal goes through?
Amorim has enjoyed a stellar career since joining Sporting in 2020, winning two Primeira Liga titles and two League Cups, establishing himself as one of football’s most promising young talents.
His management journey began after a brief spell under José Mourinho at Manchester United in 2018, where he was part of a group selected for an internship at Carrington. Subsequently, he took up his first coaching position with Casa Pia, although his debut was overshadowed by a suspended one-year ban in January 2019 due to a technicality regarding his coaching qualifications.
However, it did not take him long to find success, winning seven of his first eight matches in charge of Braga’s B team, earning him promotion to first-team coach. In March 2020, he made the move to Sporting CP for a reported fee of €10 million, where he has since transformed the club into league champions.
If he takes charge at Old Trafford, here are four transformations we can expect:
1. Tactical change to 3-4-3
Amorim is known for his preference for a 3-4-3 formation which emphasizes high pressing and possession. This represents a striking departure from the tactics employed by Ten Hag. His teams generally feature a 3-2-5 offensive structure, transforming into a solid 5-2-3 during defensive phases. Fans can expect a defense anchored by three central defenders, with an emphasis on advancing through the middle of the field.
2. High defensive line
Under Amorim, Sporting adopted one of the highest defensive lines in Europe, thanks in part to their dynamic full-backs. Expect United’s defense to be just as adventurous, aiming to stifle opposition attacks high up the pitch.
3. Key players on the front line
One player who could flourish under Amorim’s guidance is the Uruguayan midfielder, who has yet to establish himself in the first team since his move from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite a difficult start, he has had a breakout season under Amorim in 2022/23, dominating European midfielders in terms of successful passes and ball recoveries. His understanding of the 3-4-3 system could be crucial as United seek defensive stability.
4. A revitalized atmosphere
Currently, Manchester United are going through a difficult phase, having collected only 11 points from nine Premier League matches. Ten Hag’s tenure proved dispiriting, despite a significant investment of around £200 million in summer signings. The addition of Amorim—considered engaging and communicative—could turn the tide both on the field and in the locker room. Reports suggest that players found Ten Hag difficult to reach, while Amorim’s ability to motivate and communicate effectively is likely to foster a more positive environment.
As January approaches, transfer speculation will intensify. Several Sporting players, including Goncalo Inacio and Viktor Gyokeres, are already linked with moves to Old Trafford. However, with a modest budget, United could also explore avenues for player sales, potentially seeing Marcus Rashford emerge as a lucrative asset, attracting interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain.
As the coaching drama unfolds, United fans will be hoping Amorim could be the catalyst for a new era at the club.
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