Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United has hit rock bottom, but there was a scenario where the Portuguese boss could have ended up in charge at Liverpool instead of Arne Slot
Ruben Amorim crouches down and looks on
Ruben Amorim has endured a disastrous start to the season with Manchester United
(Image: Getty Images)
Glory in football can often pivot on a crucial decision, and it seems Liverpool's choice to appoint Arne Slot over Ruben Amorim was one such defining moment.
The contrasting fortunes of the two managers since their arrival in the Premier League couldn't be more stark. Following the unexpected announcement that Jurgen Klopp would depart Liverpool in January 2024, speculation was rife about his successor.
It was no secret that Liverpool's top brass were keen on Sporting CP head coach Amorim to take up the mantle at Anfield. However, they chose Feyenoord boss Slot, while Manchester United eventually secured Amorim in November 2024 after dismissing Erik ten Hag.
There were several factors behind Liverpool's preference for the Dutchman over his Portuguese rival, with concerns about Amorim's inflexible playing style being a significant issue for Anfield officials.
ESPN reported that Amorim was overlooked not only due to his tactical rigidity but also because of the nearly £10million buy-out clause that Liverpool would have had to meet to bring Amorim to Merseyside.
The Athletic suggested that premature reports of Liverpool's interest in Amorim also caused irritation within the Anfield club. Ultimately, Liverpool's management decided against Amorim as they believed his preferred 3-4-3 system wouldn't suit the squad left by Klopp, who frequently used a flat back four in a 4-3-3 formation.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) and Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim (R) look on
Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim have had mixed fortunes since coming to England
Amorim's tactical approach – which can morph into a 4-2-4 during transitions, a 5-2-3 when on the defensive, and a 3-2-5 when on the attack – was central to his managerial philosophy, reports the Mirror. However, Liverpool felt they lacked the squad depth to implement a three-man defence, while Slot was already committed to a four-man backline due to his successful 4-2-4 strategy in the Eredivisie.
Recruiting Amorim would have been an expensive venture for Liverpool, necessitating a complete revamp of their established formation to accommodate Amorim's vision. The Athletic also reported that Liverpool had reservations about whether the 40-year-old's style of play would resonate with the Anfield faithful.
Slot, on the other hand, has stated that he was ultimately the only candidate offered the Liverpool job. This indicates that he was the preferred choice in the end, despite rumours linking former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, who eventually left Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid this summer.
Despite Liverpool's apprehensions, United proceeded to hire Amorim, fully aware of the coach's preference for a three-man defence. Fast forward to the 2025/2026 season, Slot is rapidly becoming a legendary figure at Anfield and Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions.
Arne Slot lifting the Premier League trophy in May 2025
Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager
In contrast, United are grappling with another crisis after the Red Devils were unceremoniously knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round by League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.
Amorim's reputation, once soaring on the back of two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting in 2022 and 2024, seems to have hit rock bottom after guiding United to a disappointing 15th place finish in the Premier League last season and suffering defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in May.
With only 16 victories from 45 matches at United, his win rate stands at a meagre 35.6%. In contrast, his success rate at Sporting was an impressive 71%, while Ten Hag – the man he replaced at United – had a win rate of 56% at the time of his departure.
It's not as if Amorim hasn't had the financial backing to mould United into his vision. Patrick Dorgu was signed for £29m in January, while this summer saw the arrival of Matheus Cunha in a deal worth £62.5m.
Bryan Mbeumo was recently snapped up for a hefty £71m. Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko is the latest addition, setting United back by £74m, while Diego Leon and Ayden Heaven were brought in at the start of the year for a combined total of around £5m – and it's thought that they're not finished in this current transfer window.
It's staggering to think that Amorim has been at the helm at Old Trafford for less than a year. However, his stubborn insistence on a three-man defence and goalkeeping issues, involving both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, have contributed to United conceding 44 goals during his tenure.
Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha with Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has brought in his own players such as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha
His disagreements with senior players, such as Marcus Rashford, who has since moved to Barcelona on loan, and Alejandro Garnacho have raised eyebrows and put his position under the microscope.
The noticeable lack of progress on the pitch, with ex-United stars such as Wayne Rooney questioning Amorim's frequent in-game adjustments, has left the Portuguese boss in a precarious position just over nine months into his tenure.
Amorim is still awaiting his first win of the season, following an opening day 1-0 home loss to Arsenal and a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Fulham. United's next challenge is a home game against Premier League newcomers Burnley on Saturday, before the international break. A short journey to Manchester City follows.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are preparing for an early season title showdown with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, with Slot's team boasting two wins from two games so far.
After their midweek humiliation to Grimsby, United will now view the match against the Clarets as a must-win to get their season on track.