Rúben Amorim: INEOS’ Choice
Deciding to keep Erik ten Hag was a significant gamble for Manchester United. But perhaps an even bigger call was made in choosing to part ways with him after the 2–1 loss to West Ham United, a result that left the Red Devils languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League.
After United’s FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City, INEOS bet on ten Hag, backing him with another season. While I questioned this decision initially, I was prepared to reserve judgment, especially considering the football minds Sir Jim Ratcliffe has integrated into his sweeping reform of the club’s football operations.
Manchester United invested close to £180 million in the transfer market to equip ten Hag with the resources needed to rebound from a dismal 2023/24 season. However, despite numerous chances from the club’s leadership to elevate the team, it became increasingly clear that ten Hag was unable to deliver the progress United desperately sought.
In hindsight, it’s reasonable that INEOS afforded ten Hag the opportunity to demonstrate that last season’s performance was a mere anomaly. Yet, the team’s standings in both the league and Europa League underscored an uncomfortable truth: despite the support and substantial investment, ten Hag’s efforts were simply not enough to meet United’s ambitions.
What’s been pleasing from an outsider’s perspective was not only how swiftly the club parted ways with Erik ten Hag but also the acceleration of plans to bring in a new manager mid-season. Historically, managerial changes at Old Trafford, particularly under the Glazers, have often resulted in wasted seasons, with the owners showing little ambition or ability to attract a manager with the necessary pedigree to turn things around.
This time, however, within hours of ten Hag’s dismissal, key figures like Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth mobilised to identify a suitable successor. They quickly began discussions with the target’s current club and have already secured a verbal agreement. It’s an efficient, swift, and impressive response, especially if they can finalise a deal for 39-year-old Sporting Clube de Portugal manager Rúben Amorim. This approach signals a level of decisiveness and ambition that has long been missing at United.
Amorim is indeed an intriguing choice, combining tactical innovation, an impressive resume, and a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents. His stock has risen considerably, drawing the attention of top clubs like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, who see in him a forward-thinking strategist with a modern approach to the game. So, what makes him so appealing, and why are Manchester United, in particular, willing to take a calculated gamble on him?
To understand why Rúben Amorim is so highly regarded, it’s essential to understand why Sporting CP were so determined to bring him on board in the first place.
Amorim made a strong managerial start with Sporting Clube de Braga’s reserve team, leaving such an impression that he was swiftly promoted to manage the first team. His impact was immediate: he won 10 of his first 13 games, including a landmark victory over Portuguese giants Benfica — a feat Braga hadn’t achieved in 65 years. This standout run drew widespread attention, and Sporting, among other top clubs, became eager to secure his talent. In fact, Sporting’s determination was so intense that they paid Braga €10 million to bring Amorim to Lisbon.
At the time, many viewed Sporting’s pursuit of Amorim as unusual, even risky. Why would a club with such a rich history in Portuguese and European football, and one that was underperforming, turn to a relatively untested coach? When Sporting appointed Amorim, he became their fifth manager in under two years (excluding caretakers), underscoring the gamble they were taking. But the decision reflected Sporting’s faith in his potential and in his distinct vision for the team.
What sets Amorim apart is his clear tactical vision, paired with the charisma and communication skills to transmit his ideas effectively. While he did not make the same instant start at Sporting as he did with Braga, Amorim’s commitment to his playing philosophy was evident. The players quickly grasped his approach and bought into his game model, recognising that it promised sustained success over time.
The Athletic’s ClubElo rating, which measures team strength by awarding points based on match results and opposition quality, highlights the remarkable strides Rúben Amorim has made with Sporting CP, elevating the club to heights not seen in many years. Under his leadership, Sporting notably secured two league titles and two Taça da Liga cups, with a commanding 72% win rate that has naturally made Amorim an attractive candidate for several top clubs, including Manchester United.
Tactically, Amorim’s arrival at United would signal a fundamental shift in the team’s playing philosophy. The hallmark of his approach is his signature 3–4–3 system, which has been central to his success as a manager. Interestingly, his switch to a back-three formation has roots in his early managerial days at Casa Pia, a then third-tier Portuguese club.
According to football journalist Guillem Balague, Amorim initially struggled at Casa Pia, enduring two opening losses that tested his confidence. Frustrated and close to resigning, Amorim decided to introduce a back-three system — and the impact was immediate. This tactical adjustment not only turned around Casa Pia’s fortunes but also solidified Amorim’s commitment to a formation that would allow him to create the exciting, attack-focused football he envisioned.
Balague explains that Amorim discovered in this formation a system that aligned with his football philosophy: a dynamic, offensive style that entertains and thrills the crowd. As Balague puts it, “He believes football only makes sense if those watching are thrilled by it… he is an enthusiast of spectacular, offensive football, with lots of goals, domination, and control. He is a crowd pleaser.”
A central critique of Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was his failure to carry over the distinctive style he implemented so effectively at Ajax. As Carl Anka of The Athletic noted, ten Hag’s approach at United became increasingly “confusing,” with tactical strategies that seemed like an amalgamation of different philosophies rather than a cohesive vision. This lack of a clear identity often led to inconsistency, no doubt leaving players — and fans — wondering about the team’s direction.
In contrast, Rúben Amorim has established a clear and identifiable style of play at Sporting CP, rooted in his preferred 3–4–3 system. This clarity of vision differentiates him significantly from ten Hag and is likely a key reason why Manchester United are drawn to him. The system Amorim employs was reportedly a point of contention for clubs like Liverpool, who felt he was too “wedded” to this formation, but INEOS appear aligned with Amorim’s philosophy, valuing the system’s potential impact at United.
Sporting’s tactical setup under Amorim is purposeful and designed with flexibility in mind, especially in possession. When building from the back, the 3–4–3 shape enables various positional rotations, allowing Sporting to adapt to the opposition’s pressing structure. A common variation in goal-kick scenarios, for instance, sees the shape transform into a 4–2–4, which is quite a meta concept in European football. This setup allows Sporting to overload specific areas, opening passing lanes and giving players multiple options to progress the ball through the first phase of build-up.
Amorim’s intent in this rotation is to bypass the opposition’s initial lines of pressure, creating controlled pathways to move the ball from the defensive to the attacking third. This isn’t to say Sporting rely solely on short, controlled passing; Amorim also integrates a more direct approach, especially with players like Viktor Gyökeres, who offers a physical, channel-running option that diversifies Sporting’s attack.
As Sporting progress further up the pitch, they transition into a more advanced 3–2–5 or occasionally a 3–1–6 formation. The frequent use of the 3–2–5 structure provides a stable base built around the three center-backs and two midfielders, enabling solid ball retention and offering a reliable platform for attacking play. This stands in stark contrast to Manchester United under ten Hag, where the spacing between players often disrupted attempts to build up from deeper positions, leading to fragmented and disjointed play.
In Amorim’s setup, the wingers — or dual №10s — drift inside to form a box midfield alongside the two central midfielders. This “box” creates congestion in the middle, forcing the opposition’s defence to shift and opening lanes for quick, technical players to drive at defenders. This approach is particularly well-suited to players like Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo, who thrive in scenarios where they can exploit space and use their speed and agility to advance the attack.
The wingbacks are instrumental in Amorim’s system, as they are in any formation built on a back five. At Sporting, they ensure five players occupy key areas in the final third — particularly the half-spaces and wide channels. The wingbacks often arrive into advanced positions rather than starting there, which allows Sporting to further stretch the field horizontally. By doing so, the wingbacks provide width and create additional space in central areas for the №10s to exploit. This positioning not only diversifies Sporting’s attacking options but also enables them to execute incisive combination play in the final third.
Amorim frequently utilises his striker as a focal point for link-up play, enabling the faster, technical players around him to play off his positioning. A common attacking pattern involves using the striker as a target, with quick interplay allowing the wingers or midfielders to either go for goal themselves or set up the wingbacks for a cross into the box. This approach has yielded numerous goals for Sporting, underscoring the system’s effectiveness and adaptability to a wide range of attacking situations.
When Sporting are out of possession, Manchester United fans can expect Rúben Amorim to employ a similar high-intensity pressing approach, particularly in goal-kick situations where Sporting is often seen pressing high with a man-to-man structure. This approach allows Sporting to apply immediate pressure on their opponents, disrupting their build-up from the back and forcing turnovers in advanced areas.
While there are finer tactical details involved in Sporting’s press, Amorim’s structure is both direct and well-organised, which has proven effective without overcomplicating players’ responsibilities. This clarity is something United fans may look forward to, especially given the issues with Erik ten Hag’s pressing strategy, where several players were required to perform complex, multi-layered roles. The hybrid pressing responsibilities under ten Hag were difficult to execute, as players often found themselves shadowing passing lanes while simultaneously tasked with dual roles, leading to disjointed pressing phases and leaving gaps for opponents to exploit.
Amorim’s pressing cues, in contrast, are straightforward and brave, making them easier for players to internalise and apply consistently. While Sporting may not be among Europe’s elite pressing teams, they are solidly above average, with room for improvement in specific areas. As noted in the below thread done by Jack Fawcett, there will be necessary adjustments for Amorim in the Premier League, as elite English sides would ruthlessly exploit certain vulnerabilities in Sporting’s current pressing system. These tactical refinements will be crucial for Amorim as he transitions to one of the most competitive leagues, where precision and adaptability are essential in maintaining a top-level press.
Rúben Amorim’s personality and communication style have played a significant role in his coaching success and have attracted interest from clubs like Manchester United. In a role as high-profile and high-pressure as managing United, effective communication isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. One of the critiques of Erik ten Hag’s tenure was a lack of clarity in his messaging, which reportedly impacted his ability to connect with both players and the public. In contrast, Amorim is known for his direct yet positive approach.
His communication style is described as “loud but never aggressive or rude,” which is conducive to maintaining respect and cohesion within the squad. Tom Kundert, in the Daily Mail, highlighted how this approach fosters a strong team spirit, which has been instrumental in Sporting’s success under Amorim. This spirit is not achieved through authoritarianism but through charismatic leadership, where his players are motivated to perform at their best. As Paulo Menses from Braga’s recruitment team observed, Amorim’s personality is both strong and unifying — a delicate balance that prevents internal rifts and promotes solidarity.
Amorim’s authenticity and transparency also translate to his relationships outside the squad, especially in media interactions. Vasco Seabra praised Amorim’s ability to deliver messages clearly, creating a connection that even reporters and the public find approachable and easy to understand. This clarity in communication is not only beneficial for team cohesion but also vital for navigating the media landscape surrounding a club like Manchester United, where every word is scrutinised. Vitor Campelos reinforced this view, pointing out Amorim’s positive mindset and straightforward approach with both players and press, building a stable environment around him.
The comparisons between Rúben Amorim and José Mourinho make sense on several levels. Both have reputations for their charisma and motivational impact on players, combined with a tactical rigour that’s been effective at the highest levels. Amorim’s mentorship under Mourinho only strengthens this link and highlights how he could bring a similar, though perhaps more refined, approach to United. His youth and adaptability might also allow him to craft a fresh, modern version of Mourinho’s legacy, merging tactical strength with the communication skills he’s already shown to master.
While it’s reasonable to question why Rúben Amorim didn’t move to some other Premier League clubs, a closer look at each situation sheds light on his reasoning. At Chelsea in 2022, he made a conscious choice to remain at Sporting, signalling loyalty and a commitment to seeing his project through. At Tottenham, Daniel Levy’s management style reportedly deterred him, and Liverpool’s preference for a different tactical setup — preferring not to rely on a 3–4–3 system — meant a poor stylistic fit. As for West Ham, Amorim himself opted out, sensing it wasn’t the right career move.
These decisions seem to stem from Amorim’s discernment about his career trajectory rather than any inability to transition to the Premier League.
Now, the allure of Manchester United — one of the most prestigious clubs globally — presents him with the kind of opportunity few could resist. For United, bringing in Rúben Amorim is certainly a gamble, but one based on solid evidence of his growth, adaptability, and proven leadership. It’s a risk with genuine promise and one that could well meet the expectations of both Amorim and the fans. Only time will reveal if he can navigate the unique pressures of the United job, but his track record inspires hope that he’s up for the challenge.
