Why Manchester United should get excited about Ruben Amorim following his imminent move from Sporting Lisbon to become the club’s tenth boss post Sir Alex Ferguson.
It hasn’t taken too long before Manchester found a replacement for Erik Ten Hag, who was relieved of his duties earlier in the week, signalling that moves had been made even before the club fired the Dutchman.
Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim is set to succeed him as confirmed by the club on Friday, and with the Portuguese being an appointment made by INEOS, whose management has shown great promises at the club, it could be a start of something interesting.
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer of 2013, the club has not enjoy a lasting success under any of the managers employed, from the legendary manager’s countryman, David Moyes, who succeeded him to the latest, Erik Ten Hag.
In-between two names have been proven names like Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, as well as a less proven one in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Why Manchester United should get Excited About Ruben Amorim
To be candid, the appointment of Ruben Amorim is as exciting as that of Erik Ten Hag, but in extension, neither come close to the appointment of Jose Mourinho in 2016.
But there are more reasons attached to this appointment, which is why Manchester United should get excited about Ruben Amorim becoming their Head Coach.
Yes. Head Coach rather than Manager. The former Benfica midfielder is appointment as Head Coach, which means he’ll focus on coaching, training and tactics.
Why Manchester United should get excited about Ruben Amorim is explained in three points below.
Why Manchester United should get Excited About Ruben Amorim
1. He (Ruben Amorim) Replaces Erik Ten Hag
It was a frustrating end to the era of Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United, so much that fans started to give up on the club — severing their ties pending the appointment of a new handler for the team.
The announcement of his departure brought relief to the fanbase, and as well the hopes of a soon to be achieved United of dreams, United of old.
The fact that he comes in as a breath of fresh air when the club is at its lowest possible, adds to why Manchester United should get excited about Ruben Amorim.
Why Manchester United should get Excited About Ruben Amorim
2. He Wanted Manchester United, Not The Money
With one-third of the season almost done, Ruben Amorim has Sporting well placed to defend their league title in Portugal but will now abandon that in order to save Manchester United from the mess it is in.
The 39-year-old has said in an interview following the confirmation of his appointment that he has agreed to move to Old Trafford that his decision was not down to the money but the club’s heritage.
“I’ve received approaches from many clubs in the recent months… but the club I wanted was Manchester United”.
Of course he is rght and there are evidence to these claims. He was the potential replacement lined up by Manchester City for Pep Guardiola and when the Cityzens are involved, you know the cash is limitless.
Amorim had also been linked with top clubs recently, including another Premier League side Chelsea, before the appointment of Enzo Maresca in the summer.
“There is no Sporting fan who wanted me to stay until the end of the season more than I did. But it wasn’t possible”. Amorim added.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue as the temporary manager for the club’s next game against Chelsea on Sunday before the arrival of Amorim earlier next week as planned.
3. Ruben Amorim is Head Coach, Not Manager
Probably the biggest mistake Manchester United made with Erik Ten Hag was making him the club’s manager, meaning he got to contribute to players’ signings and other off field decisons.
Many of the signings under the former Ajax boss were questionable and underwhelming. Mason Mount, Tyrel Malacia and Antony to name but a few. Even Leny Yoro never played a competitive game under him.
Misfortunes, coupled with excessive injuries, poor form, overvaluation and lack of confidence have plagued his reign as well as his signings at the club.
Rúben Amorim comes in as the first boss since Sir Alex Ferguson left to have the title of head coach rather than manager, meaning he is excused from making decisions not in-field related.
This move does take huge pressure off his shoulders, and the responsibility of restoring lost glory at the club not only lies on his shoulders but shared with the club’s administration, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Why Manchester United should get Excited About Ruben Amorim
Why Manchester United should get excited about Ruben Amorim becoming their Head Coach isn’t only down to tactical reasons, but the move to create an excellent environment for players to thrive.
Nevertheless, the tactical aspect is also important and Amorim has proven himself a master tactician, which was why many top teams went crazy about him in past summers.
These are just a few of the points why Manchester United should get excited about Ruben Amorim, and should it all go well with the administrators, the club may not have appointment a better man for the job.
Hassan Afolabi
