Meet Rúben Amorim: The Portuguese football manager in pole position to become the next Man Utd boss. Who is he?

Manchester United announced the departure of Erik ten Hag as the team's manager on Monday (Oct 28), following a disappointing start to the season. The Dutch manager was let go after the team only managed to secure 11 points from nine matches, culminating in a defeat against West Ham United. Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the interim manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Rúben Amorim, the current Sporting Lisbon manager, is reportedly the frontrunner to take over as the next permanent manager of Manchester United.

Currently working as the head coach of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Amorim has Manchester United connections having completed his managerial internship at Old Trafford during Jose Mourinho’s managerial reign. A former Benfica star, 39-year-old Amorim played the majority of his club football in his native Portugal before hanging his boots and moving into management in 2018. He also represented Portugal at the international level, earning 14 caps and playing at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Since taking over at Sporting in 2020, Amorim has taken the Portugal league by storm, helping his side win two league titles. Sporting won the 2020-21 and 2023-24 league titles and are flying high under his stewardship in the 2024-25 season.

Sporting have won all nine matches in Liga Portugal, collecting 27 points with a hundred percent record. They have conceded only two goals while scoring a league-high 30 goals. Sporting sit three points clear at the top ahead of Porto, to underline their dominance in the league. The side narrowly missed out on a double of league and cup, having lost the Taca de Portugal final after extra time on 26 May 2024.

ALSO READ | Manchester City's Rodri wins men's 2024 Ballon d'Or as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr settles for second spot

At the time of writing, Sporting are eighth in the Champions League new format having won two and drawn one match so far in three matchdays. They sit above Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG and other powerhouses of the continent with seven points from a possible nine.

While a host of other names are under consideration, Manchester United are likely to move for Amorim if he gives the green light to the move. Currently working his trade with Sporting, United will also have to seek permission from the club to have a format conversation with the 39-year-old. If everything works well, United are expected to move quickly, or else they will stay with Van Nistelrooy for the time being.