Manchester City reportedly remain unbothered by Manchester United’s recent discussions with Sporting Lisbon regarding the potential appointment of Ruben Amorim as their next manager. Despite the rumors swirling around Amorim’s name and his rising reputation in European football, City’s management does not appear to view the Portuguese coach as a realistic candidate for their own club, should they need to replace Pep Guardiola in the near future. Rob Dawson, a journalist with ESPN, recently posted about this on X, suggesting that Amorim’s tactical style may not align well with City’s current setup, despite reports linking him to the club.
The background to this story is Manchester United’s sudden sacking of Erik ten Hag following a series of disappointing performances, which has left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. The team has struggled to find consistency and cohesion under Ten Hag, and the club has been actively searching for a replacement who could bring a fresh approach and galvanize the squad. United fans appear optimistic about the potential hiring of Amorim, who has earned praise across Europe for his work with Sporting Lisbon, including impressive performances in both domestic and European competitions.
Amorim’s managerial reputation has been on the rise for several years. Known for his ability to develop young players and implement a dynamic style of play, he has drawn interest from several top clubs. Since taking charge of Sporting Lisbon, he has revitalized the club, leading them to a Portuguese league title and making them competitive in Europe. His accomplishments have made him a natural candidate for other prestigious managerial positions, and many see his potential move to Manchester United as a significant step for the club, one that could signal a new era for the Red Devils as they look to re-establish themselves among England’s elite teams.
However, Manchester City’s view of Amorim as a potential successor to Guardiola is lukewarm at best. Despite the 39-year-old’s track record, the club’s insiders reportedly believe Amorim’s tactical philosophies may clash with the existing identity and style Guardiola has meticulously developed at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola’s tactics, characterized by intricate ball control, positional play, and a high press, have been deeply ingrained in the team’s DNA. Amorim, while innovative, has a different approach that might require a tactical overhaul, which City’s management is reportedly hesitant to undertake. This reservation may be particularly pertinent given that Manchester City will likely want a seamless transition if Guardiola leaves, avoiding any major disruptions to the successful system he’s put in place.
The idea of Amorim potentially taking charge at City also brings to light the upcoming change in City’s leadership structure, with Hugo Viana poised to replace Txiki Begiristain as director of football next season. Viana’s arrival could bring fresh perspectives, and some insiders have speculated that he might advocate for a manager with a Portuguese or Iberian background. However, City seems intent on maintaining continuity in the style of play and approach developed under Guardiola’s tenure, favoring someone who could seamlessly adapt to the established framework.
In contrast, Manchester United’s situation is quite different, which explains their interest in Amorim’s talents. Following Ten Hag’s departure, United needs a manager with fresh ideas who can bring stability and long-term development to the club. Amorim’s focus on youth development and his adaptable tactics could make him a strong fit for United’s rebuilding project. As Dawson noted, United now has a clearer path to hiring Amorim without much competition from City, and many fans hope he could help the team rediscover its attacking prowess and improve its standing in the Premier League. For United, a manager like Amorim represents a potential return to the type of forward-thinking, charismatic leadership that characterized the club’s successes under Sir Alex Ferguson.
A move to Manchester United could be a significant turning point for Amorim, providing him with a larger stage to prove himself among Europe’s elite managers. United’s squad, although underperforming, includes talented players who could thrive under Amorim’s guidance, particularly given his track record of maximizing the potential of young, dynamic players. The Red Devils have also struggled with defensive issues and squad morale, areas where Amorim’s structured yet positive approach could bring noticeable improvement. However, United’s fans and management will need to remain patient, as any transformative impact will require time and support.
On the other hand, should Guardiola eventually decide to leave City, the decision to appoint his successor will be one of the most critical moments in the club’s recent history. Guardiola’s achievements with City, including multiple Premier League titles and Champions League triumphs, have set incredibly high standards. Any successor will face immense pressure to continue the club’s success, but finding a coach who can replicate Guardiola’s unique style is no easy task. While Amorim’s name has been floated as a possibility, City is likely to consider a candidate whose tactical mindset aligns more closely with Guardiola’s legacy.
As it stands, Manchester United appears poised to take advantage of City’s indifference towards Amorim, moving closer to securing one of Europe’s most promising young managers. For United supporters, there’s excitement around what Amorim could bring to Old Trafford, with hopes that he can help turn around a challenging season and build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors in the coming years. Whether or not Amorim can replicate his success in Portugal on the grand stage of the Premier League remains to be seen, but the move certainly offers United a glimmer of hope as they seek to restore their past glories.