Ruben Amorim has disclosed that Manchester United issued a decisive ultimatum, indicating it was “now or never” for him to accept the managerial position. Appointed midway through the season, the Sporting Lisbon coach was tasked with revitalizing the struggling Premier League club and restoring its former glory in both English and European football.
Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday due to a dismal start to the season, Amorim quickly emerged as the top candidate for the role. He has committed to a contract lasting until 2027 and is set to officially join the club on November 11, marking him as the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
In his initial press conference since being appointed, Amorim expressed that the past few days had been a whirlwind experience. He remarked, “The only question I made was to go at the end of the season,” but emphasized that he felt pressured by the club’s directive that he needed to decide promptly. “I had three days to make the decision. That’s what I did. If I rejected it now, in six months I would not have got it. I didn’t want to regret making this decision.”
Amorim also mentioned receiving interest from other clubs, including one that presented an offer worth “three times” what he would earn at United. Manchester United characterized Amorim as “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”
A club statement highlighted his impressive resume, noting his achievements such as securing the Primeira Liga title twice with Sporting CP, including the club’s first championship in 19 years. Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue in a temporary capacity until Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford.
Before heading to the international break, Amorim will manage Sporting’s remaining fixtures, starting with a commanding 5-1 victory over Estrela on Friday, marking their tenth consecutive league win this season. He is scheduled to lead Sporting against Manchester City in the Champions League next Tuesday, with his final game in charge taking place against former club Braga on November 10. Amorim will make his managerial debut for United on November 24 in an away match against Ipswich, who are fighting to avoid relegation.
Sporting confirmed in a statement that United will pay 11 million euros ($12 million) as compensation for Amorim’s departure. Following a 2-1 loss to West Ham that left United in a disappointing 14th place in the Premier League with only three wins from nine matches, Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday. The three-time European champions find themselves at the bottom of their Europa League group, sitting 21st out of 36 teams, having drawn all three of their matches.
Before their recent 5-2 triumph over Leicester in the League Cup, United had struggled, winning only one of their last eight games in all competitions. Although Ten Hag secured the League Cup and FA Cup during his two seasons at the club, United has not captured the Premier League title since 2013.
Ferguson achieved remarkable success with 13 Premier League titles during his nearly 27-year tenure, yet the 20-time English champions have failed to mount a consistent title challenge in recent years. On Thursday, former United striker Van Nistelrooy expressed his desire to help revitalize United’s season, emphasizing his motivation as he prepares the team for an upcoming match against Chelsea on Sunday.
Amorim, who previously played as a midfielder for Portugal, began his managerial journey in 2018 with Casa Pia, a third-tier club, before moving to Braga. Sporting secured his services in 2020, and he made an immediate impact by winning the league title in his first full season, repeating this success the following year.
Recognized as a rising star among European coaches, Amorim was linked to Liverpool’s managerial vacancy following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of his departure, but the club finally appointed Dutch coach Arne Slot instead. Amorim also held discussions with West Ham this year before they chose former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui to take over from David Moyes.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand noted that Amorim possesses the “character and the charisma” that Ten Hag seemed to lack.
In a statement on Friday night, Ten Hag expressed gratitude to United’s fans, stating, “My dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end. I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies, and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home. Thank you for this chapter in my life. Erik.”