Manchester United finally confirm Portuguese coach as Erik ten Hag’s successor

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. Photo/Imago

Manchester United finally confirm Portuguese coach as Erik ten Hag’s successor

Joel Omotto 16:05 - 01.11.2024

Manchester United have finally ended speculation over the identity of their next coach after confirming the appointment of Portuguese Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP.

Manchester United have finally confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as the successor to Erik ten Hag following widespread reports that a deal had already been agreed.

United have moved with speed to replace Dutchman Ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday after their 2-1 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday, and by Tuesday, it was already reported that Amorim would be their next coach.

The club had, however, been locked into negotiation with Portuguese champions Sporting CP over a compensation package of 11 million euros to release him from his contract as well as the composition of his backroom staff and when he would officially start work at Old Trafford.

With all that sorted, United confirmed what was already expected on Friday, saying the 39-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements,” United said via statement on its website.

“He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.

“Ruben is 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.”

Amorim will oversee the next three matches at Sporting, which include two leagues clashes and a Champions League match against Manchester City, before departing while club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue his interim role as coach of United for the matches against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester City before handing over the Portuguese.

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