Manchester United announced on Friday that it has appointed Portuguese Ruben Amorim as its new head coach, replacing Erik ten Hag.
The Premier League team is hopeful that one of Europe’s most talented young managers can lead them back to their past glory.
When Amorim, 39, has finished his duties with Sporting, a team he revitalised during his four-and-a-half years as manager, he will sign a deal with United through 2027 with a club option for one extra year on November 11.
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“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football,” United said in a statement.
“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.”
Sporting won the Primeira Liga in 2021 and 2024 under the dynamic Amorim, who is renowned for his crowd-pleasing style of possession-based and high-pressing game.
This season, Sporting is leading the league once more.
After firing Dutchman Ten Hag on October 28 after yet another terrible start to the season, United, who have been in the doldrums by their standards since the time of manager Alex Ferguson, acted quickly to sign Amorim.
United was willing to pay the 10 million euros ($10.86 million) release clause, Sporting announced on Tuesday.
Van Nistelrooy, a former player and assistant coach, was named temporary manager of United after the team finished in 14th place in the Premier League.
In his debut game, the Dutchman led United to a 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the League Cup fourth round.
Before Amorim arrives, he will be in charge of three more games, including Sunday’s league encounter at Old Trafford against Chelsea.
Former Portugal midfielder Amorim takes over as United’s sixth permanent manager since Ferguson, the team’s most successful manager, guided the team to a record 13 league titles.
In one of the most closely watched positions in football, the Portuguese coach is entrusted with leading United back to its heyday.