Rúben Amorim’s journey from player to visionary coach is a story of resilience, reinvention, and fearless ambition. Born on January 27, 1985, in Lisbon, Portugal, Amorim began his career as a promising midfielder with a sharp mind for the game. He first made a name for himself at Belenenses before joining Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, where he would go on to win three Primeira Liga titles, two Portuguese Cups, and several League Cups. But beyond the trophies, it was his natural tactical insight and fierce determination that stood out to teammates and coaches alike.
After representing Portugal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Amorim’s playing career was cut short by injuries, but he didn’t let that define him. His swift rise in coaching showed the world his courage to pursue a different dream. After brief stints with smaller teams, he joined Sporting CP in 2020 as head coach, bringing fresh hope and a daring vision to a team longing for glory. In his first full season, Amorim led Sporting to its first league title in nearly two decades—a feat that many doubted was possible.
Known for his groundbreaking tactics, Amorim relies on a fluid 3-4-3 formation, prioritizing adaptability and creativity, and isn’t afraid to take risks on young players. His belief in developing youth talent, drawn from Sporting’s renowned academy, has been an inspiring and defining feature of his coaching style. Amorim’s story is one of relentless passion and a belief in the transformative power of bold decisions. Today, he stands as a beacon of hope for young managers, a testament to the power of believing in yourself and reinventing the path to greatness.
Manchester United plc (NYSE: MANU), is delighted to announce the appointment of Rúben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements. 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.
Rúben 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. Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Rúben joins.
A former player, celebrated for his tactical brilliance and achievements as the head coach of Sporting CP, one of Portugal’s top clubs. Born on January 27, 1985, in Lisbon, Amorim played as a midfielder and had a successful career in Portuguese clubs, including Belenenses and Benfica, where he won several league titles. Transitioning to coaching after his playing career, he quickly rose to prominence, known for his innovative strategies and his ability to develop young talent.
Amorim’s coaching career took off with SC Braga, where his impressive work with the B team led him to manage the first team. He gained wider recognition after moving to Sporting CP in 2020. Under his leadership, Sporting won the 2020-2021 Primeira Liga title, breaking a 19-year league title drought and re-establishing the club as a formidable force in Portuguese football. Amorim emphasizes a high-intensity, possession-based playing style, and his success with Sporting has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young managers.
Rúben Amorim is known not only for his football intelligence but also for his commitment to nurturing young players, making him a standout figure in modern football management.
Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through our 146-year football heritage we have won 69 trophies, enabling us to develop what we believe is one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment brands with a global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers. Our large, passionate, and highly engaged fan base provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, broadcasting and matchday initiatives which in turn, directly fund our ability to continuously reinvest in the club.