Ruben Amorim has had a rollercoaster first year as Manchester United manager, with a unique approach to his players and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Ruben Amorim has found himself in one of his strongest positions since his first year at Manchester United. On 1 November 2024, United confirmed that Sporting CP manager will permanently replace Erik ten Hag, with his term officially starting ten days later.
The past 12 months have been difficult for Amorim. The Portuguese manager struggled to make an immediate impact on United’s results, overseeing their weakest league campaign in decades, while losing the Europa League final and missing out on Champions League qualification.
However, there has been marked improvement in recent weeks, with the team’s summer new signings playing a key role in the club’s best Premier League form under Amorim’s reign. On his first anniversary in charge, United drew 2-2 away at Nottingham Forest, ending their winning streak at three.
There were several moments when many believed Amorim’s position was under serious threat, particularly earlier this season after the humiliation against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. Despite Amorim regularly facing criticism, United’s board has consistently shown confidence in the 40-year-old manager.
Along with his uncompromising approach to the team, one factor in Amorim maintaining support within the United hierarchy may be the manager’s firm belief in his way of doing things. The Daily Mail reported that some players in the United dressing room felt Amorim was “aloof and arrogant at times”.
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This straightforward style may have helped Amorim build his team. Back in January, when asked about Marcus Rashford’s continued absence, Amorim insisted he would choose goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital ahead of a player who hasn’t been strong in training. Rashford then joined Aston Villa on loan and spent this season at Barcelona.
The United manager’s confidence also extends to his tactics. He declared earlier this season that “not even the Pope” could persuade him to abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 system. But United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems to appreciate Amorim’s straightforward approach.
“I really, really love Reuben,” Ratcliffe told the Times in March. “He’s a very thoughtful guy. I talk to Ruben every time I go to practice. We sat down and had coffee together and we talked about what was going wrong and he said to me, ‘No more!’ I like him. ”
The report revealed that Mr Amorim and Mr Ratcliffe regularly spoke on the phone and kept in touch through a WhatsApp group. Amorim values the relationship he built with Ratcliffe during his time at the club.
“I think we have a really good relationship,” he said. “We’re both a bit frank and honest in our conversations. He really likes the club and is like a fan.”
The United manager continued: “It’s a good thing because it’s different in public. It shows a lot of confidence from the owners. I felt it from day one. From day one I felt that people really liked what I did.”
“My job is results. So for me, the relationship with them is sometimes more difficult than the relationship with them and me. We’re really honest with each other. I’m a little bit the same.”
“I come from a normal family and I’m here in Manchester now and I’m still the same person. I feel like he’s the same[type of]person, so I can talk like that.”
Amorim’s candid interactions with Ratcliffe and no-nonsense transfer strategy may raise some eyebrows, but they have proved crucial in helping the Portuguese manager navigate a difficult year at Old Trafford. Having weathered many storms, United will be in a much stronger position under Amorim’s leadership in 12 months’ time.
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