Portuguese Ruben Amorim, 39, has become troubled Manchester United’s youngest coach since 1969 when Wilf McGuinness succeeded Matt Busby in June 1969.
He also becomes the 10th manager since the era of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson who left the club in May 2013 after a tenure of 27 years.
In naming Amorim, Manchester United are hoping that one of Europe’s brightest young managers can restore the struggling team to its former glories.
He will join United on November 11 with a contract until 2027, and a club option for an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to Sporting — a club he revived during his four-and-a-half years in charge.
“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football,” United said in a statement.
“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.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”
The charismatic Amorim, who usually employs a crowd-pleasing 3-4-3 formation with high pressing and possession-based football, took Sporting to Primeira Liga titles in 2021 and 2024 and they lead the standings again this season
United, who have been in the doldrums by their standards since manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, moved swiftly to secure Amorim after axing Dutchman Ten Hag on Oct. 28 following another woeful start to the season.
The club agreed to pay 11 million euros ($11.96 million) to trigger a release clause in Amorim’s contract.
