Manchester United‘s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, has expressed confidence in his ability to return the club to its rightful place at the pinnacle of football.
Amorim arrived in Manchester on Monday, following his appointment as Erik ten Hag‘s successor.
At 39, he becomes the seventh manager charged with restoring United’s glory since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. None of his predecessors managed to sustain a Premier League title challenge, progress beyond the Champions League quarter-finals, or complete three full seasons in charge.
In his first official comments to the club’s media since arriving in the UK, the former Sporting CP manager vowed to change that narrative and restore United’s winning tradition.
“I will do everything to put this club back in the place where it belongs,” he said.
“And I firmly believe we will succeed.”
The club has shared several images on social media of Amorim meeting players, executives, and fans, including those touring Old Trafford when he stepped into the home dressing room.
Amorim has also taken time to immerse himself in the club’s storied history, reflecting not only on its record 20 English league titles and three European Cups but also on the tragic Munich air disaster and the subsequent rise to glory under Sir Matt Busby.
While many fans may not remember those events firsthand, Amorim believes it is crucial for players to understand the magnitude of the club they represent.
“You see the trophies, and you see the tragedy we’ve endured as a club”, he said. “You understand the history—after the crash, we became European champions. It’s vital to instil this strength in the team.
“When players join, they should experience this tour. It’s incredibly important. You have to feel: this is Manchester United.”
Amorim’s interactions with players earlier this week included meetings with England internationals Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, all of whom are currently in rehabilitation. He is expected to begin working more closely with the squad next week.
Some players, such as Alejandro Garnacho and Manuel Ugarte, are still on World Cup qualifying duty in South America and are unlikely to return before Friday. This means Amorim will have his full squad together for the first time only shortly before his managerial debut against Ipswich on 24 November.
Amorim acknowledges that not everything will align perfectly at the start but assures fans they will see a team shaped in his vision.
“The most important thing for me right now is to establish our principles, our identity, and the character this club once had,” he said. “We’ll focus heavily on our playing style—how we attack, how we press, the finer details.
“You can’t address everything at 100% immediately; that would confuse the players. But if I had to prioritise one thing, it’s creating a clear identity.”
The judgement of Amorim’s tenure will also hinge on Manchester United’s new structure, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, board member Sir Dave Brailsford, chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox.
Berrada played a pivotal role in Amorim’s appointment, and Ashworth and Wilcox will be his closest collaborators.
Amorim feels a strong connection with the team already and is energised by Ineos’ broader plans for the club.
“We want to achieve something extraordinary at a special club—that was key for me,” he said. “When Manchester United shared their vision, it was exciting.
“We know that when the team plays well and wins, everything else—the new stadium, the new ideas—gains momentum.
“It’s a true honour to have been chosen to lead this journey.”
