Ruben Amorim Faces Early Heat as Manchester United Fans Remain Patient

Life for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United thus far has unfaithfully kept him falsely true. The Portuguese coach's tenure, which began on November 11, 2024, has been marked by promising developments and significant challenges. His efforts to instil a more dynamic playing style are evident, but issues such as defensive vulnerabilities and internal club dynamics present hurdles he continues to navigate. 

Amorim has built a remarkable reputation as a young, dynamic manager known for his tactical innovation, leadership qualities, and ability to achieve success quickly. Once a professional midfielder known for his tactical intelligence and work ethic, Amorim played for clubs like Belenenses, Benfica, and Braga and earned 14 caps for the Portuguese national team. After retiring in 2017, Amorim quickly transitioned to coaching, bringing his understanding of the game and leadership skills to the forefront. 

Managerial Journey 

His managerial journey began in (2018–2019) at Casa Pia, a 3rd Division team. As a young, inexperienced coach with a brilliant football IQ, he immediately instilled a disciplined, attacking style of play and subsequently secured promotion to the second division despite limited resources. The following year, he moved on to Braga B and then got promoted to manage the senior squad in the Primeira Liga division. He got his first taste of a cup victory as a manager when he defeated Sporting CP in the Taca da Liga (League Cup). He is known for implementing a high-pressing, possession-based style of play that earned plaudits across Portugal and other parts of Europe.  

Amorim’s focus on player development and fostering a strong team identity, coupled with a flexible 3-4-3 system emphasizing wingbacks, high pressing, and quick transitions, saw him move on quickly to Sporting after just one season at Braga. He transformed the Lions into a title contender after years of underachievement.

In his first two seasons at Sporting, he guided the team to their first Liga Portugal title in 19 years in the 2020–21 season and repeated the feat in subsequent seasons. During his four-year stint at the club, he won 2 Primeira Liga titles, 2 Taca da Liga (League Cups), and 1 Supertaca Candido de Oliveira (Portuguese Super Cup). While developing young talents such as Nuno Mendes and Pedro Goncalves, emphasizing the use of academy players, he was also a consistent face in UEFA Champions League qualification.  

Despite being a relatively young manager, Amorim has consistently delivered results in high-pressure situations, earning a reputation for his composure and decision-making. Amorim’s rapid rise through the managerial ranks reflects his tactical expertise, leadership skills, and ability to maximize his teams' potential. This pedigree made him a natural fit for a club like Manchester United, which seeks both immediate results and long-term rebuilding. 

Manchester United fans have endured several managerial changes since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Many supporters may recognize the need for patience to allow a clear vision and identity to develop under Amorim. Amorim’s high-pressing, attacking philosophy aligns with the club's traditional values.

If Amorim can implement this effectively, fans will likely back him, even during rough patches. United fans love seeing academy players succeed. His track record of nurturing young talent could endear him to supporters if he integrates promising players like Kobbie Mainoo, 19, Amad Dialo, 22, Alejandro Garnacho, 20, or new signings into the squad.  

Things are not as bright as the fans expected them to be at the start, but will things change for the better, or will they be the same old? Amorim has managed three clubs at the professional level before joining United: Casa Pia, Braga, and Sporting CP.

Here’s a breakdown of his first five games at each club, including Manchester United.  

Casa Pia (2018–2019) 

2-1 vs Loures (W)
1-0 vs Fatima (W)
3-0 vs Caldas (W)
1-2 vs Sertanense (L)
Record: 3 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss. 

SC Braga (2019–2020) 

2-1 vs Portimonense (W)
7-1 vs Belenenses SAD (W)
1-0 vs Porto (L)
2-1 vs Sporting (L)
2-1 vs Moreirense (W)
Record: 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss. 

Sporting CP (2020–2024) 

2-2 vs Vitoria de Guimaraes (D)
2-0 vs Pacos de Ferreira (W)
1-0 vs Aves (W)
1-0 vs Tondela (W)
3-1 vs Desportivo das Aves (W)
Record: 4 Wins, 1 Draw, 0 Losses

Manchester United (2024 – present) 

1-1 vs Ipswich Town (D)
3-2 vs Bodo/Glimt (W)
4-0 vs Everton (W)
2-0 vs Arsenal (L)
3-2 vs Nottingham Forest (L)
Record: 2 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Losses

Fans will have patience with Ruben Amorim

Amorim has built a remarkable reputation as a young, dynamic manager known for his tactical innovation, leadership qualities, and ability to achieve success quickly. Manchester United is a global giant, and expectations are always high. If results don’t improve soon, sections of the fanbase might lose patience, particularly if rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool continue to thrive.

While fan patience is never guaranteed, Amorim has several factors in his favour. His track record, philosophy, and reputation as a forward-thinking manager give him a strong foundation to earn their trust. However, delivering early results and progress will be essential to maintaining that goodwill. Amorin’s next game is an away fixture to Manchester City, their noisy neighbours, who are also going through a turbulent patch.