David Ornstein: Man United Working on £8m Deal to Appoint Erik Ten Hag Replacement | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim to Manchester United? A New Era May Be Dawning

Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim to take over the reins following Erik ten Hag’s departure earlier this week. The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that United are prepared to pay the €10 million (£8.3 million) release clause for the 39-year-old Portuguese manager, a move that could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Red Devils. Amorim’s success in Portugal and his tactical prowess have made him a hot commodity in European football, and his name has been linked to top clubs recently, including Liverpool and West Ham.

Amorim’s Impressive Track Record

Amorim’s resume is marked by significant achievements in Portugal, winning the Primeira Liga title in 2021 with Sporting and repeating the feat last season. His accolades also include multiple Taca da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) titles, underlining his ability to compete on all fronts. But it’s not just his silverware that has attracted Manchester United’s attention—his reputation for nurturing young talent and improving individual players’ performances is widely respected across Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

“Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup, or more accurately a 3-4-2-1, embodies a high-possession, adaptable attack with a solid defensive backbone,” notes data analyst Mark Carey, illustrating why his approach resonates in modern football. With a track record of bringing up young players like Goncalo Inacio, Matheus Nunes, Nuno Mendes, and Ousmane Diomande, Amorim has demonstrated that he can develop stars who go on to make substantial impacts at the highest level.

Ten Hag’s Tenure: A Tough Gig

The decision to move on from Erik ten Hag comes as no surprise to most fans, especially given United’s mixed form since he took over in April 2022. Ten Hag managed to bring home the League Cup in his debut season and narrowly missed out on FA Cup glory in May. Despite those achievements, Manchester United’s struggles in the Premier League and early Europa League struggles were ultimately too much for the Dutchman, leading the club to explore alternative coaching options.

The Athletic mentions that United’s board had previously explored other managerial candidates, including names like Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank. However, they decided to retain Ten Hag following an end-of-season review last summer, only to see him depart after a rocky start to this season.

With Ruben Amorim’s Sporting team boasting an impressive 9-for-9 start in Portugal’s top flight, the young manager has showcased his tactical expertise and man-management skills, making him a fitting candidate to tackle the intense scrutiny and expectations surrounding Manchester United.

Amorim’s Tactical Edge and Adaptability

Amorim’s adaptable tactical style is among his key attributes, using a formation that supports both high possession and quick transitional play when necessary. With players like Viktor Gyokeres, Amorim was able to shift towards a more direct attacking style, showing that he is flexible enough to adjust to his squad’s strengths and weaknesses. Manchester United fans will be eager to see if Amorim could implement a similar approach at Old Trafford, where they have long yearned for a manager who can bring consistency and a winning mentality.

Photo: IMAGO

Moreover, his hands-on approach to player development aligns well with the long-term vision Manchester United hopes to achieve. As highlighted in Ornstein’s article, Amorim’s ability to improve players before moving them on for significant fees has been well-documented. “The impact he’s had on young talents is undeniable,” shared an anonymous source close to the club. With a squad packed with potential, United could see players like Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Facundo Pellistri thrive under Amorim’s tutelage.

A Reinvigorated Manchester United?

Should the deal go through, Ruben Amorim’s arrival could be the spark Manchester United needs to reignite their status as title contenders. His youth-oriented philosophy, tactical flexibility, and success in Europe’s smaller leagues could position him as the ideal fit for United’s project. While the Premier League’s physicality and speed may be a new challenge, Amorim has the potential to rise to the occasion.

Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Everton provide a realistic opportunity for him to start his tenure on a strong footing, should he arrive soon. As he steps into one of the world’s most challenging managerial roles, it’s clear that expectations will be sky-high—but Amorim’s history suggests he thrives under pressure.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United fan, this potential appointment is nothing short of thrilling! Ruben Amorim embodies exactly what we’ve been craving: a manager who brings both trophies and trust in young talent. United’s commitment to pay his release clause signals how serious the club is about finding a long-term solution, and Amorim could just be the transformative force we need. His tactical awareness, especially that solid 3-4-3 setup, feels like the type of structure that could shore up our leaky defense and get the best out of players like Rashford and Bruno.

What’s even more exciting is his reputation for developing young stars. Imagine what he could do with Garnacho or Diallo! Watching Sporting dominate in Portugal, it’s clear that he doesn’t just win; he builds teams that play fluid, entertaining football—something we’ve sorely missed at Old Trafford. And with legends like van Nistelrooy potentially stepping in on an interim basis, it feels like there’s a strategy and a vision beyond just short-term fixes. This could be the beginning of a new era, and as United fans, we’re here for it!