Manchester United appoint Portuguese Ruben Amorim as head coach

MANCHESTER, England :Manchester United have named Portuguese Ruben Amorim as head coach to replace Erik ten Hag, the Premier League club said on Friday, hoping one of Europe's brightest young managers can restore them to former glories.

The 39-year-old Amorim will join United on a contract until 2027, with a club option for an additional year, on Nov. 11, once he has fulfilled his obligations to Sporting - a club he revived during his four-and-a-half years in charge.

"Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football," United said in a statement.

"Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club's first title in 19 years.

"Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins."

The charismatic Amorim, known for his crowd-pleasing style of high pressing and possession-based football, took Sporting to Primeira Liga titles in 2021 and 2024 and they lead the standings again this season.

United, who have been in the doldrums by their standards since the era of manager Alex Ferguson, moved swiftly to secure Amorim after axing Dutchman Ten Hag on Oct. 28 following another woeful start to the season.

Sporting said on Tuesday that United were prepared to pay the 10 million euros ($10.86 million) release clause.

With United languishing 14th in the Premier League, their former player and assistant coach Van Nistelrooy was appointed interim manager, with the Dutchman overseeing a 5-2 League Cup fourth round victory over Leicester City in his first match.

He will in charge for three more games before Amorim's arrival, including Sunday's league match against Chelsea at Old