On Monday morning, few were discussing Ruben Amorim’s work at Sporting Lisbon, but by evening, he had captured the attention of Manchester United fans and analysts alike. The 39-year-old Portuguese manager has emerged as the favorite to succeed Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed following a disappointing start to the season.

Mail Sport recently reported that Amorim was among four potential replacements, alongside Xavi, Edin Terzic, and Thomas Frank. While Ruud van Nistelrooy currently holds the role temporarily, United is reportedly prepared to pay Amorim’s £8.3 million release clause to bring him to Old Trafford.

Here’s a closer look at Amorim’s coaching style, career achievements, and what he could bring to Manchester United.

Amorim’s Rise at Sporting Lisbon

Before diving into his tactical setup, let’s explore Amorim’s background and accomplishments at Sporting. A former midfielder who retired in 2016, Amorim joined Sporting in 2020 after a successful tenure with Braga. Sporting had been out of the title conversation for years, dominated by rivals Benfica and Porto.

However, in the 2020-21 season, Amorim led Sporting to its first league title in 19 years, losing just one game. In his second season, he finished as runners-up, and although Sporting fell to fourth place in his third season, Amorim’s impact had already left a lasting mark.

Initially feeling he had failed after the fourth-place finish, Amorim offered to resign in a meeting with Sporting’s director Hugo Viana. However, the coaching staff voiced their confidence and support, which ultimately inspired him to stay. In the seasons that followed, he again brought success to the club.

The Mourinho Connection

Amorim credits former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho as a major influence. When asked about his coaching inspirations, Amorim once remarked, “My preference has always been Mourinho.”

He took coaching courses at the University of Lisbon, where Mourinho led sessions alongside former Benfica star Antonio Veloso. The mentorship evolved into a mutual respect, and when Amorim’s Sporting eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League in 2023, Mourinho texted him, congratulating the “new Mourinho.”

While Amorim deeply respects Mourinho, he acknowledges that “Mourinho is unique; there won’t be another.”

Amorim’s Tactical Approach: The 3-4-3 Formation

A defining feature of Amorim’s strategy at Sporting is his 3-4-3 formation, which emphasizes adaptability and fluidity.

The system allows wide players to shift seamlessly between defense and attack. Amorim first adopted this approach early in his managerial career with Casa Pia in Portugal’s third tier.

Facing setbacks in his first two games, he changed to a back three out of desperation – a shift that worked immediately, transforming Casa Pia’s form and ultimately shaping his tactical philosophy.

Guillem Balague, a European football expert, noted that Amorim’s 3-4-3 system supports both defensive solidity and attacking flair, which resonates with fans.

Why Manchester United’s Style Could Suit Amorim’s Tactics

Amorim was previously linked to Liverpool as a successor to Jurgen Klopp, but his preference for a back-three setup didn’t align with Liverpool’s traditional formation. Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy noted that “his long-term vision didn’t align with the Liverpool way.”

However, United’s current defensive challenges might make Amorim’s system an ideal fit. A back three featuring Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro could provide the defensive structure United needs, while England international Harry Maguire has also excelled in back-three systems.

United’s summer signing Manuel Ugarte, who thrived under Amorim at Sporting, could benefit from a reunion with his former manager.

During his time at Sporting, Ugarte won both the Portuguese League Cup and Super Cup in 2022 and developed under Amorim’s coaching style, which might reinvigorate his performances at Old Trafford.

Youth Development and Talent Pipeline

Amorim is also highly regarded for nurturing young talent, which aligns with Manchester United’s legacy of promoting academy players. His Sporting tenure saw the rise of talents like Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inacio, Pedro Porro, and Matheus Nunes.

Notably, 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda has broken into Sporting’s first team this season, already netting two goals from the right flank.

Amorim might look to bring some of Sporting’s emerging stars to Old Trafford, including the prolific Viktor Gyokeres.

The former Coventry City forward has been a revelation at Sporting, scoring 12 goals in nine league appearances this season. Reports from Sky Germany suggest Gyokeres could be available for around £50 million – a valuable option for a United side struggling with goal-scoring.

Potential Defensive Additions

Beyond Gyokeres, Amorim’s appointment could see United target Sporting’s defenders. Goncalo Inacio, Ousmane Diomande, and Eduardo Quaresma have all attracted interest from European clubs, and Amorim’s familiarity with these players might lead to a renewed focus on defensive reinforcements at United.

Conclusion

Ruben Amorim’s tactical acumen, proven ability to foster young talent, and the potential for defensive stability make him an intriguing prospect for Manchester United.

With his unique 3-4-3 system, Amorim could provide United with the structure and style they need to return to prominence.