Manchester United ended Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous reign at Old Trafford at the beginning of this year following a 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road. The Portuguese head coach’s 14-month spell at the Theatre of Dreams was not short of drama, with his 3-4-3 system dividing opinion among fans and pundits alike.
Several players were deemed surplus to requirements at the end of last season. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, and Antony were among the players in the infamous “Bomb Squad” who were moved on last summer to make way for attacking reinforcements.
Yet, even after investing over £200 million in the trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, Amorim’s tactics failed to bear fruit. The Portuguese head coach ultimately left United with a disastrous record, having managed a mere 38.10% win ratio during his stay.
Ruben Amorim managerial stats
Team From To Games Played Games Won Games Drawn Games Lost Win %
Casa Pia 1 July 2018 7 January 2019 4 3 0 1 75.00
Braga B 16 September 2019 23 December 2019 11 8 2 1 72.73
Braga 23 December 2019 4 March 2020 13 10 1 2 76.92
Sporting CP 4 March 2020 10 November 2024 231 164 34 33 71.00
Manchester United 11 November 2024 5 January 2026 63 24 18 21 38.10
Career total — — 322 209 55 58 64.91
Source: Wikipedia.
The Red Devils initially appointed Darren Fletcher as interim manager before Michael Carrick took charge as caretaker manager for the rest of the campaign.
United flourishing in post-Amorim era
United have hit the ground running following Amorim’s departure, winning three of the five games so far. All three wins have come under Carrick, whose “Midas touch” has prompted talk of a permanent stay at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Red Devils are already on the lookout for their permanent manager, with an appointment expected before the start of the new season.
Amorim, meanwhile, has maintained a low profile since parting ways with the Premier League giants, although he has been named as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho at Benfica. It now appears that the former Sporting manager could also have the chance to take charge in LaLiga this year.
Atletico Madrid want Amorim
According to Fichajes, Atletico Madrid have identified Amorim among the possible replacements for Diego Simeone at the Metropolitano Stadium. The Argentine is ready to leave the LaLiga giants this summer, as per a report relayed by The Peoples Person.
United legend Roy Keane has previously named the fiery manager as his preferred option for the permanent job at Old Trafford. Los Rojiblancos are already laying down succession plans for their managerial position and have identified three candidates for the job.
At the top of their wish list is Villarreal head coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, who has the backing of Atletico Madrid director Mateu Alemany. Former player and current Flamengo manager Filipe Luis is also in the running for the job.
Despite Amorim’s struggles at United, Los Rojiblancos’ hierarchy is ready to put their trust in the Portuguese, given his impressive record with Sporting.
Final Thoughts
While Amorim’s spell at United did not turn out as expected, he could still be a fine choice to replace Simeone at the Metropolitano Stadium. The Red Devils, meanwhile, have already moved on from the Portuguese, with Carrick’s blockbuster start igniting hopes of a top-four finish this season.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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