Ruben Amorim has long been of interest to Europe’s top clubs following his success with Sporting in Portugal but what would the 39-year-old coach linked with the Manchester United job bring to the Premier League? Adam Bate spoke to rival coaches to find out..
It has long been inevitable that Ruben Amorim would take one of Europe’s biggest jobs. Winning the title with Sporting in 2021 at the age of 36 all but guaranteed that. Repeating the feat last season only underlined his ability as a coach.
Sporting recognised that this was a special talent very early, famously paying a huge release clause after his spectacular start at Braga. They bet on his tactical mind, his fierce commitment as a player, but more than anything on the power of his personality.
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In conversation with a series of Portuguese coaches, some of whom have pitted their wits against Amorim in his native country, we will explore his rise, what it is that makes him so impressive as a coach, and, crucially, whether this can be translated into his next job.
Amorim, the player, was part of a fine Benfica team, winning three league titles in Lisbon. He was good enough to make Portugal’s World Cup squad in 2010 but is remembered as a worker, in midfield or at right-back. A team man who brought unity.
Injury forced him to retire early at the age of 32, fast-tracking him on a new path as a coach. His time at Casa Pia, then in the third tier, was curtailed as he was forced to resign with the club facing punishment because he did not have the required licence.
Amorim then rejected a role with Benfica’s B team, opting to take Braga’s instead, where he would have more control. He ascended to the top job within months, taking them from eighth to third, going unbeaten in the league and winning the Taca da Liga.
Sporting were so convinced that they acted swiftly, paying his eight-figure buy-out clause, making him one of the most expensive managerial hires in history. He repaid them with a first title in 19 years in his first full season, bringing clarity at a chaotic club.
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