BREAKING NEWS: live from Old Trafford, Manchester United have officially announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, starting from November 11. According to reports, Amorim has penned a three-year deal with an option for a further season at Old Trafford. He will begin in his new role on November 11. OFFICIAL: Man Utd appoint Ruben amorim.
Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, with his role beginning on November 11.
On October 29, Sporting CP confirmed that Manchester United would pay the necessary compensation to bring Amorim on board, facilitated by an agreement allowing him to leave for a top European club for roughly half of his €20 million release clause.
United initiated discussions with Amorim’s representatives shortly after part-owners Ineos made the decision to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag on October 28. Amorim has agreed to a three-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional year at Old Trafford, officially taking charge on November 11.
When Ten Hag departed, Manchester United sat 14th in the Premier League standings, having earned just 11 points from nine games, with eight goals scored and a -3 goal difference. The club was also struggling in the Europa League, placed 21st out of 36 teams after drawing their first three group-stage matches. Following Ten Hag’s exit, United legend and assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped in as interim manager, but the club acted quickly to secure a long-term replacement, having reportedly started succession planning during the summer.
In a detailed statement, Sporting disclosed the exact amount United will pay in compensation, which totals €11 million—€10 million for Amorim and an additional €1 million for his support staff. Additionally, Sporting reported a financial benefit of €1.7 million, relating to the cancellation of credit rights previously recorded as liabilities, which emerged from contract renegotiations related to intermediary fees. While the club did not release the specifics of Amorim’s contract with United, reports suggest he will earn an annual salary of €7.8 million.
Amorim’s transition from Sporting CP to Manchester United marks one of the most challenging coaching transitions in European football, as he becomes the sixth permanent head coach at United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
The 39-year-old brings a strong reputation, having achieved remarkable success with Sporting CP. He led the club to two Portuguese league titles, ending a 19-year drought in the Primeira Liga, along with two League Cups and the Portuguese Supercup in 2021. Revered in Lisbon, Amorim has never hidden his ambition to coach in the Premier League. Earlier this year, he even traveled to London for discussions with West Ham, although the talks didn’t result in a move. He later publicly apologized to Sporting and its fans for considering the Premier League opportunity mid-season.
Now, with his arrival at Manchester United, one of Europe’s most highly regarded coaching prospects has finally reached his Premier League goal. The question remains: Can Ruben Amorim be the one to restore Manchester United’s former glory?
