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Ruben Amorim: The Rising Star Set to Lead Manchester United

In the ever-evolving world of football management, few names have generated as much buzz in recent years as Ruben Amorim. At just 39 years old, the Portuguese tactician is on the verge of taking over one of the most prestigious jobs in the sport: head coach of Manchester United. This move comes after a tumultuous period for the Red Devils, marked by the sacking of Erik ten Hag following a string of disappointing results. Amorim's appointment represents a bold gamble on youth, innovation, and a proven track record of success in his homeland. But who exactly is this man tasked with reviving the fortunes of a club that has struggled to recapture its glory days since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement?

Born in Lisbon in 1985, Ruben Amorim's journey into football began not as a coach, but as a player. He grew up in a footballing family, with his father having played at amateur levels, instilling in him a deep passion for the game from an early age. Amorim joined Benfica's youth academy as a teenager, honing his skills in one of Portugal's most renowned setups. His professional debut came in 2003, and over the next decade, he established himself as a versatile midfielder known for his intelligence on the ball, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities. He spent the bulk of his playing career at Benfica, where he won multiple league titles and domestic cups, becoming a key figure in the team's midfield.

Amorim's playing style was characterized by his ability to read the game, distribute the ball effectively, and contribute defensively. He wasn't the flashiest player—lacking the raw pace or dribbling flair of some contemporaries—but his composure and decision-making made him invaluable. Internationally, he represented Portugal, earning 14 caps and featuring in major tournaments like the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. A loan spell at Braga in 2012-13 added to his experience, and he later returned to Benfica before injuries began to take their toll. A serious knee injury in 2016 effectively ended his playing career prematurely at the age of 31, forcing him to retire in 2017. Yet, this setback proved to be a pivotal turning point, propelling him into coaching far earlier than many expected.

Transitioning from player to coach, Amorim wasted no time in building his credentials. He started with Benfica's youth teams, quickly impressing with his methodical approach and ability to develop young talent. In 2018, he took charge of Casa Pia, a third-tier Portuguese club, but his tenure there was brief and controversial due to licensing issues—he was fined for coaching without the required UEFA Pro License at the time. Undeterred, he moved to Braga's B team and then swiftly to the senior side in December 2019. It was here that Amorim's managerial prowess truly began to shine. In just his third match, he led Braga to a stunning victory in the Taca da Liga final against Porto, securing the club's first major trophy in years.

This success caught the eye of Sporting Lisbon, who paid a hefty €10 million release clause to bring him on board in March 2020. At the time, it was one of the most expensive managerial transfers in history, a testament to the faith placed in the young coach. Sporting were in disarray, having not won the Primeira Liga in nearly two decades and plagued by internal chaos following a fan invasion of their training ground in 2018. Amorim inherited a squad in need of direction, but he transformed them almost overnight.

Under Amorim's guidance, Sporting embarked on a remarkable unbeaten run that culminated in winning the 2020-21 league title, ending a 19-year drought. His team played with a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, often deploying a 3-4-3 formation that emphasized high pressing, quick transitions, and fluid movement. Key players like Pedro Goncalves, Joao Palhinha, and Sebastian Coates thrived under his system, with the team conceding the fewest goals in the league while scoring prolifically. This wasn't a fluke; Amorim followed it up with another league title in 2023-24, along with multiple cup triumphs, including back-to-back Taca da Liga wins.

What sets Amorim apart is his tactical philosophy, often compared to that of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp, though with a distinctly Portuguese twist. He favors a back-three system, which allows for wing-backs to push forward aggressively, creating overloads in wide areas. His teams are renowned for their intensity without the ball—pressing high to win possession quickly and launching rapid counter-attacks. In possession, there's an emphasis on building from the back, with center-backs comfortable on the ball and midfielders dropping deep to facilitate play. Amorim's approach is adaptable; he's shown the ability to tweak formations mid-game, switching to a 4-3-3 or even a back-four when needed.

Off the pitch, Amorim is known for his charisma and man-management skills. Players speak highly of his ability to foster a strong team spirit, blending discipline with empathy. He's not afraid to make tough decisions, such as benching underperforming stars or promoting youth prospects. At Sporting, he integrated academy graduates seamlessly into the first team, a trait that could serve Manchester United well given their rich history of youth development. His communication style is direct yet motivational, often drawing on his own playing experiences to connect with his squad.

Amorim's European record adds another layer to his appeal. While Sporting haven't dominated the Champions League, they've punched above their weight, notably reaching the last 16 in 2021-22 and upsetting teams like Tottenham and Arsenal in recent campaigns. A memorable 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the group stage this season highlighted his tactical acumen, with Sporting's pressing game dismantling Pep Guardiola's side. Such performances have fueled speculation about his readiness for a bigger stage.

Now, as he prepares to join Manchester United, the challenges are immense. The club has cycled through managers like Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Ten Hag, each failing to restore consistent success. United's squad is a mix of high-profile stars like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro, alongside promising youngsters such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim will need to impose his philosophy quickly, potentially reshaping the team to fit his preferred 3-4-3 setup. Questions remain about whether players like Rashford can adapt to wing-back roles or if the defense has the ball-playing quality he demands.

Critics point to Amorim's relative inexperience outside Portugal— he's never managed in a top-five European league—and the intense scrutiny that comes with Old Trafford. The Premier League's physicality and pace could test his high-pressing style, and financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules might limit squad overhauls. Yet, his track record suggests he's up to the task. At Sporting, he turned skeptics into believers by delivering results with a modest budget compared to rivals like Benfica and Porto.

Supporters and pundits alike are excited about what Amorim could bring. His appointment signals a shift towards long-term vision rather than short-term fixes, with reports indicating a contract until 2027. Influences from his mentors, including Jose Mourinho (whom he interned under at Manchester United in 2018) and Jorge Jesus, have shaped his methods, blending pragmatism with innovation.

As Amorim steps into the spotlight, the football world watches with anticipation. Can this young Portuguese coach, who rose from the ashes of his playing career to conquer Lisbon, now conquer Manchester? If his past is any indication, the Red Devils might just have found their next great leader. The journey begins soon, and for Manchester United fans weary of mediocrity, Ruben Amorim represents hope—a fresh chapter in the club's storied history.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cdez88g7p46o ]