MILAN (AP) — AC Milan hired Ruben Amorim on Tuesday, five months after he was sacked. manchester united —The Portuguese coach will play his first match against his former club.
Amorim was considered one of the top emerging managers in Europe before his reputation was tarnished there. premier league. Milan have not announced the length of the contract, but Italian media reports that the player has signed a three-year contract worth 3.5 million euros (approximately 400 million yen) per season plus bonuses.
“We have followed Ruben for many years and his tenure at Sporting has been very impressive and reflects the style of play that we are looking for,” said Gerry Cardinale, managing partner of Milan’s American owner Redbirds.
“He is one of the most prepared and innovative managers of Europe’s new generation. Young, ambitious and with a modern football identity defined by game-dominating possession, modern pressing systems and a clear tactical approach.”
Amorim, 41, will replace Massimiliano Allegri. was fired last month Along with Milan’s CEO and several senior directors, following what the Redbirds deemed a “clear failure” of the season.
Milan spent most of the Serie A season in the top two and fighting for the title, but they have only won two of their last eight games, dropping them to fifth place. last day of the season And they missed out on qualifying for the Champions League.
‘Disastrous’ United
Amorim sacked by United In January, the day after he made provocative comments about his position within the club hierarchy in a cryptic post-match press conference.
It was the final test after a difficult 14 months of work.
Amorim had apologized to the fans At the end of the 2024-25 season, he expressed it this way: “Disastrous” campaign When United finished 15th in the table, this was their lowest place in the Premier League era. He also oversaw the club’s less than desirable records, including the most losses and lowest total points won in a Premier League season.
Amorim was considered one of the brightest coaches in Europe when United hired him from Sporting Lisbon. He led the Portuguese team to their first league title in 19 years in 2021, and three years later they won the Primeira Liga again.
Will the 3-4-3 work for Milan?
Amorim faced constant doubts about his tactics at United, remaining adamant in his support of a 3-4-3 formation that did not seem to suit his players.
But what reportedly attracted Cardinale and special adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic was his attacking system, which was completely different from Allegri’s more defensive style.
“Ruben believes in high-press attacking football with quick transitions that allow for bigger goals,” Cardinale added. “His philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision, and his leadership qualities and track record in player development stood out to us.
“We believe in Ruben and are excited to welcome him to the club.”
Allegri rarely used the 3-4-3 formation, with the exception of a desperate last-ditch effort to claw their way back in the final stages of the game when Milan were on the back foot.
As a result, few players have been tested in the system, but some could be a good fit, particularly wing-back Alexis Saelemakers, who has explosive speed and attacking skills.
united states international Christian PulisicDespite a disastrous second half of the season with Milan, he was able to enjoy his preferred role as one of the flanks of an attacking trident, and the formation.
One of the best suited players for this system is: Rafael LeanHe announced his intention to leave Milan during the off-season. But it remains to be seen whether Amorim’s arrival will cause him to change his mind.
Milan will face United in a pre-season friendly in Poland on August 15th.
Did Amorim see it coming?
In an interview with Portuguese media at the start of his managerial career, Amorim said that it had been his childhood dream to play for Benfica and Milan. Amorim, who spent most of his playing career with Benfica, added with a laugh that he would have to coach the Italian team since he could not play for Milan.
“I have an ambition that I will carry with me throughout my career. Coaching AC Milan has always been one of my themes. I know exactly what this club stands for: history, fame and an extraordinary fan base around the world,” Amorim said on Tuesday.
“This is a challenge that I take on with pride and enthusiasm and am fully aware of what these colors represent. I can’t wait to get started and experience the passion that drives AC Milan every day.”
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