After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, Manchester United’s co-owners, Ineos, are on the hunt for their first permanent manager under their tenure. This change marks a challenging beginning for Ineos, who now oversee football operations at Old Trafford. The decision to part ways with Ten Hag reflects their intent to steer the club in a new direction, potentially altering the dynamics within the organization. This shift comes amid significant scrutiny from fans and pundits alike, who have voiced concerns over the club’s recent decisions.
Ineos faced substantial criticism after they chose to retain Ten Hag following an underwhelming campaign that saw United finish in eighth place, marking their lowest finish since 1990. However, the decision to part ways now might be seen as a bold step by the club’s management, suggesting a willingness to make difficult decisions for long-term success. This move could signal a fresh start, offering a glimmer of optimism that United’s fortunes at Old Trafford may soon improve.
Among the candidates, Ruben Amorim stands out as a potential but risky option. At just 39, he has shown remarkable potential, though his coaching experience is limited to Portugal’s Primeira Liga. Compared to England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, and Germany’s Bundesliga, the Portuguese league is often seen as a step down in terms of overall quality and competitiveness. This leap from a domestic Portuguese club to one of England’s most high-profile teams would certainly test his adaptability and tactical expertise.
Amorim’s track record, however, is impressive. He led Sporting CP to a historic league title, amassing 85 points with only a single loss during that season. This achievement ended a nearly 20-year drought for the club, cementing his status as a young, promising manager with the potential to deliver under pressure. The success not only broke Sporting’s long-standing title curse but also laid the groundwork for another title just three years later, proving Amorim’s capacity to build a winning team culture.
The challenge at United would be more daunting, but Amorim’s ability to end Sporting’s title drought is likely appealing to United’s decision-makers. The club’s management may see his history of overcoming substantial obstacles as evidence that he could replicate similar success in Manchester. Bringing a manager with such a record could be the fresh perspective needed to revitalize United’s pursuit of top-flight success.
This approach has a historical precedent at the club. Sir Alex Ferguson, United’s most successful manager, came from Aberdeen and also faced a challenging start before leading the team to end a 26-years title drought in the inaugural Premier League season of 1992/93. Ferguson’s achievements set the gold standard, and while Amorim’s path would be different, the ambition to transform United into title contenders once more is one that resonates deeply with the club’s tradition.
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