Ruben Amorim: Why Manchester United is after 39-year-old Sporting coach

• Manchester United is in talks to hire Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP’s highly-rated coach, to replace Erik ten Hag
• Known for his tactical prowess and player development, Amorim has attracted interest from several top European clubs
• Amorim’s record-breaking success at Sporting CP and fluency in English make him a fitting choice for United’s plans to revive their Premier League success

Manchester United’s next move in their managerial pursuit could bring one of Europe’s most intriguing coaching talents to Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim, Sporting CP's head coach. 

At just 39 years old, Amorim has a strong record of tactical skill and positive player development, making him a potential candidate for Manchester United. With Sporting having broken the stronghold of Benfica and Porto under his leadership, Amorim stands out as the catalyst United believes can restore their identity and bring a long-awaited Premier League title challenge back to the Theatre of Dreams.

It all started with Amorim’s meteoric rise in Portuguese football, first catching the eye at Braga. Recognising his potential, Braga appointed him as head coach after a rapid stint with the reserve team, a decision that quickly paid off as he took them from eighth to a commendable third place, winning the Taça da Liga along the way. 

His impressive work made Sporting willing to shell out a whopping €10 million for his services, a fee rarely seen in managerial acquisitions. As Sporting’s youngest manager, Amorim delivered the club’s first league title in 19 years during his debut full season, sealing his reputation as a tactical and motivational mastermind.

A natural leader, Amorim’s interpersonal and tactical strength is evident both on and off the pitch. Known for deploying a high-intensity 3-4-3 system, he has built a team that relies on technical strength and high energy to challenge any opponent.

Amorim’s confidence in hidden gems has not only boosted Sporting’s competitive edge but also improved the careers of players like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, who has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, former Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes, and Tottenham’s Pedro Porro are just a few other players whose skills have flourished in Amorim's system.

Nevertheless, his managerial rise wasn’t without challenges, after a promising playing career at Benfica and with the Portuguese national team, where he featured in the 2010 World Cup, injury cut his time on the pitch short, forcing an early transition into coaching. 

Amorim’s first position as head coach of third-tier Casa Pia ended abruptly when he was forced to resign due to licensing issues, as he had yet to complete his coaching badges. Yet, he bounced back quickly, showing defiance and moving to Braga, where he was swiftly promoted to the head coach role.

Sporting’s bold move to hire him has yielded multiple titles, and his stock has skyrocketed, with top clubs such as Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus, and Bayern Munich previously eyeing him.

Manchester United’s interest in Amorim only shows an intentional approach by the club’s football operations department, led by Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth, who see him as a solution to their managerial instability since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013. While Amorim’s release clause stands as a potential hurdle, the allure of managing in the Premier League, combined with the resources available at United, could tip the scales in their favour.

The opportunity to work alongside familiar faces like Manuel Ugarte, whom United signed from PSG last summer, could provide an extra layer of synergy at Old Trafford. With his tactical acumen, and a history of turning players into stars, Ruben Amorim may just be the answer to Manchester United’s search for stability and success. 

The potential appointment could be the fresh start United fans have been yearning for, a coach with an eye for hidden talent, and someone with the grit to make Old Trafford a fortress once again.

Man United’s Erik Ten Hag avoids verbal duel with Cristiano Ronaldo amid early season pressure

Previously, TheRadar reported that Erik ten Hag had made it a habit to respond firmly when he believed criticism was unfair. Whether it's shutting down journalists during press conferences or dismissing pundit commentary from the likes of Jamie Carragher and Alan Shearer as "subjective" or "stupid," Ten Hag has built a reputation for standing his ground. 

But this time, facing recent comments from Cristiano Ronaldo, a world-class superstar and club legend, the Manchester United manager chose a take things a bit more cool.