The landscape at Manchester United has dramatically shifted following a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season. After a series of disappointing performances, the club has parted ways with manager Erik ten Hag, who leaves them in a precarious 14th position in the Premier League with just 11 points and a woeful record in European competitions. In light of these changes, the club appears poised to appoint Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, with his £8.3 million release clause already activated. As United aims to restore its former glory, Amorim’s arrival promises to invigorate the squad.
Ruben Amorim’s appointment is a significant move by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the newly established football leadership at United. At 39, Amorim is enthusiastic about the challenge ahead, particularly the opportunity to work with former player Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan midfielder has had a slow start at Old Trafford since joining from PSG for approximately £50.7 million. His limited playtime under Ten Hag has resulted in just eight appearances, with only five starts, one of which was a disappointing outing against Tottenham. His total minutes amount to just under five full games, highlighting a struggle to find his footing.
However, Ugarte’s fortunes may change with Amorim at the helm. During their time together at Sporting CP, Ugarte established himself as a key midfielder, making 85 appearances over two seasons and helping the team dominate Portuguese football before his move to PSG in 2023. Under Amorim’s guidance, Ugarte showcased his potential, contributing significantly to the team’s success with four goals and assists combined, and a remarkable 60.9% win rate.
In addition to Ugarte, another player who could thrive under Amorim’s management is Leny Yoro, United’s recent acquisition. The young French defender, signed for around £52 million, has been described as one of the most promising talents in world football. At only 18 years old, Yoro’s impressive physical attributes and footballing intelligence make him an ideal fit for Amorim’s tactical approach. Standing at 6’3″, he combines agility with a long stride, allowing him to cover ground effectively while also excelling in ball distribution.
Amorim’s tactical setup typically involves a back three, which aligns perfectly with Yoro’s skill set. His capability to operate as both a central and right center-back suits the demands of Amorim’s strategy, especially given his proficiency in stepping into midfield during build-up play. Over the past year, Yoro has maintained an outstanding 93.1% pass completion rate, placing him among the top defenders in Europe. With Amorim’s guidance, there is a strong belief that Yoro can develop further, potentially elevating his game to new heights.
As Manchester United navigates this transitional phase, the prospect of Amorim’s leadership coupled with the talents of Ugarte and Yoro brings a sense of optimism. If he can successfully harness the potential of these players, the club may be on the verge of a significant turnaround, reestablishing itself as a dominant force in both domestic and European competitions.
