Ruben Amorim has been out of work since early 2026, but the former Manchester United boss could be set for a sensational return to the dugout – this time in Italy
23:58, 13 Jun 2026Updated 00:03, 14 Jun 2026
Ruben Amorim left Manchester United earlier this year
Ruben Amorim left Manchester United earlier this year(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim could be set to join forces with Ralf Rangnick — another former Old Trafford boss — at AC Milan.
Amorim was relieved of his duties at Old Trafford at the start of 2026. He was dismissed following a fiery post-match press conference in which he publicly criticized the United board, after a 1-1 away draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
Amorim has remained without a club since, though he has been linked with several Premier League sides. Yet it appears Italy could be the next chapter for the Portuguese coach. With AC Milan on the lookout for a new manager, he is understood to be the frontrunner.
The former Sporting boss may also find himself working alongside ex-interim manager Rangnick, who is reportedly being considered for a head of soccer role at the San Siro.
According to The Athletic, Amorim has held discussions with the Italian team, which parted ways with Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season.
The club had previously set its sights on Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, until the Spaniard was snapped up by Liverpool.
Ralf Rangnick could join Amorim at AC Milan
Ralf Rangnick could join Amorim at AC Milan(Image: Getty Images)
Former Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, United States coach Mauricio Pochettino, and Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness are also believed to be on Milan's shortlist. Milan has equally been in direct contact regarding Rangnick.
Currently at the helm of Austria's national side, the former United interim boss is understood to have been interviewed by the Italian club. Should Rangnick be appointed, he would assume a position above Amorim, working in close collaboration with him.
It would make for a fascinating dynamic, given that both managers hold firm to their own distinct soccer philosophies. Amorim was resolute in his commitment to his 3-4-3 formation, despite persistently struggling to deliver results.
Rangnick, similarly, attempted to implement his gegenpressing style during his brief spell at the club, yet found it equally difficult to embed. Both coaches left Old Trafford under a cloud.
The original intention for Rangnick was to oversee the club following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's dismissal through to the end of the 2021/22 season, before transitioning into a consultancy position.
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When his managerial tenure concluded, however, the Austrian was not retained in that capacity. Amorim's parting shot at United, meanwhile, was to publicly criticize the board while asserting that he was the manager, not merely the head coach.
His final words were: "That is my job, not to be a coach. If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club.
"No, no guys, I would say that I came here to be the manager of Manchester United, not to be the coach. Every department, the scouting department, the sport director needs to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months, and then we move on. Thank you, guys."