Rúben Amorim Unveiled as Manchester United’s New Manager

Rúben Amorim has expressed his enthusiasm as he prepares for his debut as the manager of Manchester United, describing himself as the «Smiling One.» The Portuguese coach arrives at Old Trafford as the club’s second-ever Portuguese manager, following in the footsteps of José Mourinho, who led the club from 2016 to 2018. Like Mourinho, Amorim takes the reins at a young age, having moved from Portugal to England.

«I can be the Smiling One, but when we have a job to do, I will be a different person,» Amorim commented ahead of his first match on Sunday. «There are some places to have fun, but I can be ruthless when I have to be. I can be the nicest guy you will ever see, but if there is someone just thinking about himself, I will be a different person.»

Amorim, who once interned under Mourinho at Carrington in 2018, has remained in contact with his compatriot since assuming the managerial role at Manchester United. «He sent me a message, saying welcome to the club, that it’s a big club, and in that, he is correct,» Amorim disclosed.

The new manager’s introductory press conference at United’s Carrington training ground drew significant attention, including the presence of nine journalists from Portugal. The conference, divided into English and Portuguese sessions, primarily focused on Amorim’s coaching philosophy and comparisons to his predecessors, rather than immediate team concerns or his upcoming opponents.

Amorim expressed confidence in his ability to secure a title for United, despite skepticism about the current squad’s capabilities. «I am a little bit of a dreamer and I believe in myself. I also believe in the club,» he stated. He emphasized «belief» as a core element of his approach, a term frequently used during his interaction with the media.

His playing philosophy, rooted in his successes with Braga and Sporting CP in Portugal, centers on a 3-4-3 formation, although he remained open to tactical variations. «Football is not so different with five players in the back, three in the back, four players in the back,» he noted, signaling adaptability in his strategies.

Amorim’s youth, at 39 years old, is seen as an asset, allowing him to relate well to the modern generation of footballers. This attribute was highlighted by his reflections on previous United manager José Mourinho’s experience with players like Frank Lampard.

Concerning the condition of the squad he inherited after Erik ten Hag‘s departure, Amorim was both optimistic and realistic. «I do not know about repair,» he said, acknowledging room for improvement and emphasizing the need for physical enhancement and better ball retention.

While rumors suggest a potential transfer of his former player at Sporting CP, Viktor Gyökeres, to Old Trafford, Amorim played down such speculation, underscoring his current focus on refining the existing team.

Rúben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United begins on the pitch with his first game against Ipswich Town, marking the start of a new era for the legendary club.