Ruben Amorim Handed Challenge of Restoring Glory Days to Manchester United

Ruben Amorim has been tasked with a monumental challenge as he steps into the role of Manchester United's new manager, following a tumultuous start to the season that saw the club languishing in the Premier League standings. In his first press conference since his appointment, Amorim revealed that he was told it was "now or never" for him to take the helm and restore the club to its former glory.

The 39-year-old Sporting Lisbon coach emerged as the leading candidate after Erik ten Hag was dismissed on Monday, following a string of disappointing results. Amorim signed a contract that ties him to Old Trafford until 2027 and will officially take charge on November 11, making him the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Reflecting on his rapid ascent to the United role, Amorim acknowledged the whirlwind few days leading to his decision. "The only question I made was to go at the end of the season," he stated. "But I was told it was now or never. I had three days to make the decision. If I rejected it now, in six months I would not have got it. I didn't want to regret making this decision."

Despite having offers from other clubs—one reportedly three times more lucrative than United—he chose to seize the opportunity presented by the Premier League giants, which he described as a dream role.

United has lauded Amorim as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe, highlighting his impressive track record, which includes two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting CP, the first of which ended a 19-year title drought for the club. Amorim is set to remain with Sporting until after their upcoming matches, including a crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City, before officially starting his new role with United.

As interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to lead the team in the interim, having recently secured a 5-2 victory over Leicester in the League Cup. Amorim will make his managerial debut for United against relegation-threatened Ipswich on November 24.

United's decision to part ways with Ten Hag came after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham, which left the team in 14th place in the Premier League with just three wins in nine matches. The club's struggles are compounded by a lackluster performance in the Europa League, where they sit 21st out of 36 teams after failing to secure a win in their first three group matches.

With high expectations resting on Amorim's shoulders, the club hopes he can navigate a path back to the top, where United last claimed the Premier League title in 2013. Former United striker Van Nistelrooy expressed his motivation to help the team turn the season around ahead of a key matchup against Chelsea.

Amorim, a former Portugal midfielder, began his managerial career at Casa Pia in 2018, moving on to Braga before achieving success with Sporting. His rising star status in European football has led to links with prestigious clubs, including Liverpool, though those positions ultimately went to other candidates.

As Ten Hag departs, he reflected on his time at Old Trafford with gratitude, stating, "My dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end. I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies, and glory."

With Amorim now at the helm, Manchester United supporters are hopeful for a resurgence in fortunes and a return to the heights of English and European football.