Amorim needs quick start at United as latest coach hired to revive fortunes

MANCHESTER, England : Manchester United's new head coach Ruben Amorim will be welcomed as a breath of fresh air for a much-needed reset when he arrives at Old Trafford later this month to sort out a team mired in mediocrity and struggling in the Premier and Europa League.

Amorim must hit the ground running in one of the most scrutinised jobs in football that saw Erik ten Hag fired on Monday - the latest of five permanent managers who have wilted in the shadow of United's most successful boss Alex Ferguson.

But those who know the 39-year-old Sporting coach, considered one of Europe's brightest young managers, insist he will be a big improvement as he has the charisma and ability to connect with players that is a pre-requisite for success.

"I spoke to (former United and Sporting player) Nani a few days ago and he said to me: 'Rio, the players play for him, they love him and respect him,'" former United and England defender turned pundit Rio Ferdinand said.

"United need someone with the character and charisma to go 'You know what? I don't care what has happened here, I see a player in you.' You need someone who is going to be like that."

Amorim, whose appointment was announced on Friday, will join United on Nov. 11, with his first match slated for Nov. 24 at promoted Ipswich Town in the Premier League.

The two fixtures that follow are Norwegian team Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and a home Premier League game against Everton, which should provide a positive start.

But then he faces two big away tests, at Arsenal on Dec. 4 and champions Manchester City in a Dec. 15 derby.

SOLID STARTS

All five permanent managers at United since Ferguson retired in 2013 arrived to plenty of optimism and solid starts before fortunes turned in a cycle