Three traits of Ruben Amorim that Man United hierarchy admire most and led to decision

Soon-to-be Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim impressed club chiefs with his tactical genius, work ethic and style of play.

After months of speculation, Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday morning, with Ruud van Nistelrooy appointed as his interim replacement. The Red Devils wasted no time in agreeing a deal for Sporting CP boss Amorim, who will become United’s youngest-ever head coach.

With his first game in charge set to come against Ipswich Town on November 24, the 39-year-old leaves an incredible legacy behind in Lisbon. His impressive record with Sporting includes two Portuguese Primeira Liga titles, including a 2021 victory that marked the club's first in 19 years, and four domestic cup wins - one of which was a major upset against Porto with his former team Braga.

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But it wasn't just his tangible achievements that convinced United chiefs. They also admired many of his characteristics which, they believe, will ensure his success in the Premier League as their sixth manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

According to the Daily Star, United have been keeping an eye on Amorim for some time – suggesting they could have seen him as a potential option this summer when it was made public that replacements for Ten Hag were being talked to. During this period, they built up an image of the young coach that portrays him as hugely admirable due to his tactical nous, exceptional work ethic, and innovative style of play.

Amorim sets up his team in a flexible 3-4-3 formation, which transitions into a 4-2-4 during build-up play, a 5-2-3 when defending, and a 3-2-5 when on the attack. This strategy echoes that of one of Europe's most sought-after and trailblazing managers, Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso.

United were further impressed by a wing-backed style of play that prioritises width, and flexible marking systems, which can switch between zonal or man-to-man depending on the opposition. The approach was evident in Sporting's encounters with Tottenham and Arsenal in 2022 and 2023.

Furthermore, the Portuguese coach has also earned high praise from one of his fellow managers, Nacional's Tiago Margarido, who shares United's view that Amorim has both the tactical acumen and personal qualities to excel as a manager in the Premier League.

"Ruben is an example for younger coaches, not only because of what his teams show but also because of his attitude and ability to communicate," said Margarido after a defeat to Amorim's side this week. "Whatever happens, I wish him all the best. I think he'll be a great signing for Manchester United, and I think he'll be very successful in England."

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