Ruben Amorim
Manchester United officially announced Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach on Friday at midday. Despite the recent announcement, discussions among pundits and football figures have been ongoing for several days. Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag, who left on Monday, with negotiations between the clubs concluded by Wednesday. The new coach will officially take over in ten days, during which Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim boss for the next three matches. The football community has shared diverse opinions on this transition.
Paul Scholes expressed skepticism and curiosity about Amorim’s appointment given the limited exposure to Portuguese football in England.
Paul Scholes said, “On Ruben Amorim – it [the hype] feels a bit like [when] Erik ten Hag [was appointed]. In England, we don’t watch a lot of Portuguese football, so we don’t know too much. We see them a bit in European football, and all the things we hear about him are good – exciting football, three at the back and possession-based – something United don’t really do. I think Thomas Tuchel was the right one to coach Manchester United, but obviously he’s gone now with England. He’s someone that can manage an elite football club and win big games. He’s been there and done it.”
Jamie Carragher highlighted both the potential and risks associated with Amorim’s appointment.
Jamie Carragher said “It will take a while before we can know if Amorim can succeed where his recent predecessors were found wanting. He is clearly a highly-rated coach who has been on the radar of top clubs for a while. But as with any appointment – and I wrote exactly the same about Arne Slot when he joined Liverpool last summer – there is an element of risk when headhunting someone who is on their way up and jumping into the first experience of managing one of the biggest clubs in the world. This [job] is going to be different. No disrespect. They play against Porto and Benfica, and that’s it. There’s a lot of work to be done. This [job] is five steps up. Will Amorim be different from the managers who have gone before? I don’t know if he will. I do find it a little strange that Ruud van Nistelrooy is in charge of the next few games. What if he wins them all? Everything seems a bit confused at Old Trafford at the moment.”
Gabriel Agbonlahor provided a perspective on Amorim’s achievements, especially with Sporting.
Gabriel Agbonlahor said, “Since the start of last season, Sporting have scored the most goals in the top-six leagues – 129 goals. They were waiting 19 years to win the title. He goes there, and he’s won two in the last five seasons, Amorim.”
