Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Erik Ten Hag after a turbulent start to the 2024/25 season signals a pivotal shift for the club. This bold step, reportedly followed by their intent to appoint Ruben Amorim, a young, highly-regarded Portuguese manager from Sporting Lisbon, is set to redefine the direction of this iconic team.
Ten Hag, who took the managerial reins in May 2022, initially brought optimism and trophies back to Old Trafford, ending the club’s six-year silverware drought.
Yet, despite investing heavily in transfers, a series of disappointing performances and United’s current 14th-place standing in the Premier League marked the end of his tenure.
This article unpacks the reasons behind Manchester United’s decision and why Ruben could be the breath of fresh air the Red Devils need.
Erik Ten Hag’s Short-Lived Success
When Ten Hag joined Manchester United, he was celebrated as a tactician with an impressive record at Ajax.
In his debut season, he led United to a third-place Premier League finish, an FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, and a League Cup win over Newcastle, reigniting the hope that United could be climbing back to the top.
Yet, this optimism quickly faded, and the following season saw the team struggle on multiple fronts.
A combination of injuries, underwhelming performances from high-profile signings, and a lack of a cohesive playing style exposed cracks in Ten Hag’s system.
Defeats by Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen ended United’s Champions League hopes early, while domestic losses to clubs like Bournemouth, Brighton, and Fulham further highlighted the team’s decline.
The recent 2-1 loss to West Ham proved to be the breaking point, underscoring United’s defensive and tactical vulnerabilities.
The co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who had already extended Ten Hag’s contract following last season’s FA Cup victory, was left with no choice but to cut ties with the Dutchman.
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Why Manchester United Turned to Ruben Amorim
With Ten Hag’s departure, Manchester United’s hunt for a successor is expected to culminate in the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
Known for his tactical versatility and modern approach to football, the 39-year-old Amorim has transformed Sporting Lisbon into a competitive European side.
His reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches aligns with Manchester United’s vision for a refreshed approach, focusing on youth, intensity, and dynamic gameplay.
His name was previously floated for Liverpool’s managerial role after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, further underscoring his growing influence.
His ability to work within budget constraints while implementing an attractive style of play makes him an appealing candidate for United, a club looking to balance high expectations with consistent results.
Manchester United’s Transfer Troubles
Manchester United invested significantly under Ten Hag, spending over £600 million on new talent, including players like Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.
This substantial investment increased the pressure on Ten Hag to deliver results. However, many of these players struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s demands, and the team’s position slipped further with each defeat.
These signings, alongside United’s inability to establish a clear playing style, have led many, including former captain Gary Neville, to label the situation as “unacceptable.”
Alan Shearer, ex-England striker, also pointed out that Ten Hag’s position was increasingly precarious, as United were reportedly engaging with alternative managerial candidates over the summer.
The club’s inability to stabilize since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 has been a recurring issue, with five permanent managers coming and going, none of whom have successfully brought the Premier League trophy back to Old Trafford.
What Ruben Amorim Could Bring to Manchester United
Ruben’s potential appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Manchester United. Here’s how his skills and strategies could help restore United’s position among Europe’s elite.
- Focus on Youth Development: At Sporting Lisbon, Ruben Amorim has showcased a talent for developing young players, a focus that could benefit United’s roster of promising talents. His emphasis on youth aligns with the club’s historic philosophy, which has produced legends like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
- Dynamic and Versatile Tactics: Amorim’s tactical adaptability sets him apart. Known for implementing flexible formations and an emphasis on fast-paced transitions, he could bring much-needed dynamism to United’s game, which has been criticized for a lack of creativity.
- Striking a Balance Between Defense and Attack: His approach to football prioritizes defensive solidity, a quality United sorely needs given their recent issues at the back. His structured yet aggressive style could allow United to shore up their defense while maintaining a threatening offense.
The Road Ahead: A New Era Under Amorim?
Should Ruben take over as Manchester United’s manager, he will inherit a challenging but potentially rewarding project.
His arrival could energize a squad in need of fresh ideas and restore a sense of unity within the club. His focus on modern tactics and youth development could be the key to creating a sustainable future for Manchester United, bridging the gap between fans’ expectations and the realities of competitive football today.
However, Ruben will need time and support from both the board and fans to implement his ideas. The recent years have shown that quick managerial changes often lead to inconsistency and disappointment.
For Manchester United, investing in a long-term vision under a young, promising coach like Amorim could finally be the answer to years of uncertainty and underachievement.
