Ruben Amorim, the coach behind Sporting CP’s impressive European renaissance, is joining Manchester United. He’ll take United’s reins for the first time against Ipswich Town on Nov. 24.
Amorim’s name has been on every club’s wish list for years. He’s a solid coach known for aggressive, offensive soccer and strong interpersonal skills. United’s players are in for a busy few weeks as they adjust to Amorim’s style and find their footing.
But who is expected to shine under Amorim’s leadership…and who might find themselves cast aside?
In: Manuel Ugarte
The Uruguayan midfielder joined United this summer as a backup for aging veteran Casemiro, but his time with the club hasn’t exactly been charmed. News broke shortly after Ugarte’s signing that Erik ten Hag had targeted two other midfielders before him and only signed Ugarte out of desperation.
Ugarte now has an opportunity to stake his claim on a starting position in United’s midfield…and in Amorim, he has the perfect coach to help him do it. Ugarte broke through under Amorim at Sporting and the two have a strong relationship. The Uruguayan gave his best performance in years against Leicester in the Carabao cup immediately after hearing that Amorim would be coaching him again. Coincidence? We think not.
Out: Antony
Dollar for dollar, Antony just might be the worst signing in Premier League history. The Brazilian winger arrived at United for over $105 million in 2022 and has done very little to justify his price tag. He was, and remains, Ten Hag’s personal favorite player, and he’s lost his only true defender now that the coach is out of the United picture.
Amorim loves pacy wingers, but he prefers hardworking shapeshifters like Nuno Santos, not quick-footed highlight reel merchants like Antony. It’s hard to see Amorim finding value in Antony’s style of play, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Brazilian shipped off at a discount in the January transfer window.
In: Bruno Fernandes
United’s past few seasons have been regrettable, but if there’s one man who’s never stopped giving his all despite the negativity, it’s Fernandes. The United captain is a big-hearted and immensely talented player, and he’s the kind of athlete Amorim needs in the center of the park.
Ten Hag liked to force Fernandes into a number 10 role. He recognized that Fernandes was industrious and figured he was his best shot at chance creation in the final third. But Fernandes thrives as a more traditional number 8, and that’s exactly where Amorim is likely to use him. Fernandes will go from strength to strength under Amorim’s guidance and is primed for a mid-career renaissance.
Out: Joshua Zirkzee
Dutch striker Zirkzee came to United this summer from Bologna. Aside from a scrappy opening-game goal against Fulham, he’s been woeful in the Premier League, struggling to keep up with the league’s pace and failing to bond with his United teammates.
One could argue that Zirkzee just needs time, but with Amorim arriving, he’s not likely to get it. Why? Because for a team like United, signing Amorim isn’t just about getting a solid coach: it’s also about getting access to Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres. Amorim brought him to Sporting in 2023 and turned him into one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers. Everyone from Manchester City to PSG to Bayern Munich is interested in securing Gyokeres’ services, but thanks to the Amorim connection, United are in pole position to make it happen.
That’s bad news for Zirkzee, who shares many of Gyokeres’ characteristics but hasn’t met his production levels. His time at United looks likely to be short.
