Manchester United’s new manager must win back glory

Manchester United is hoping to regain its former grandeur under new manager Ruben Amorim, who unveiled his midseason appointment on Friday. After Erik ten Hag was fired on Monday after a poor start to the season, the 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon coach became the top candidate for Old Trafford.

Amorim, the sixth permanent manager since Alex Ferguson left in 2013, will join the club on November 11 on a contract until 2027. Amorim said in his first news conference after being hired that he had a hectic few days.

“The only question I made was to go at the end of the season,” Amorim.

“But I was told now or never. I had three days to decide. I did that.

“I would have lost it in six months if I rejected it now. I didn’t want to regret this choice.”

Another club offered Amorim “three times” the profit he would receive at United, he said. United called Amorim “one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football”.

“Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP — the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years,” a statement stated.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will lead until Amorim comes at Old Trafford.

On Friday, Sporting defeated Estrela 5-1, its 10th win in 10 league games this season. The Portuguese coach will oversee the club’s remaining matches before the international break.

Sporting visit Manchester City in the Champions League next Tuesday, while Amorim’s final game as manager is against old club Braga on November 10. He will lead United for the first time on November 24 at relegation-threatened Ipswich.

Sporting announced that United will pay 11 million euros ($12 million) for Amorim’s departure. United terminated Ten Hag on Monday after a 2-1 loss to West Ham left them 14th in the Premier League with just three wins from nine matches despite a large financial spend.

The three-time European champions are 21st out of 36 teams in the redesigned Europa League following three draws this season.

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United had won only one of their last eight games in all competitions before Wednesday’s 5-2 League Cup win against Leicester.

Over his two full seasons at Old Trafford, Ten Hag won the League Cup and FA Cup, but the team has not won the Premier League since 2013. Former Portugal midfielder Amorim began his managerial career with third-tier Casa Pia in 2018 before joining Braga.

After joining Sporting in 2020, he led the club to its first league title in 19 years in his first season and repeated it last season. After Jurgen Klopp resigned, he was connected to the Liverpool manager’s job, but Dutch coach Arne Slot took the job.

West Ham replaced David Moyes with former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui after Amorim negotiated with them this year. Ten Hag lacked “character and the charisma” that Amorim has, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Ten Hag praised United fans Friday night, adding “my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet”. “Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end,” he remarked.

“I wish Manchester United fans prosperity, trophies, and glory. I felt welcome in the club thanks to your assistance and everyone’s kindness. Thank you for this life chapter. Erik.”