Manchester United is closing in on Sporting Lisbon’s manager Ruben Amorim as their top candidate to succeed Erik ten Hag.
The move would reunite Amorim with his former midfielder, Manuel Ugarte, who now plays for United.
Sporting recently confirmed that the Red Devils are prepared to activate Amorim’s £8.3 million release clause, with the potential signing expected to bring a new tactical direction for United.
United captain Bruno Fernandes has openly praised Amorim’s talents, believing his compatriot has the qualities to thrive in English football.
Meanwhile, Ugarte, who joined United this past summer, has struggled to secure consistent playing time but is hopeful that his old coach can help revive his form.
During his two seasons at Sporting, Ugarte steadily earned Amorim’s trust, evolving from backup to midfield stalwart, notably filling in for Joao Palhinha before ultimately replacing him in Sporting’s starting lineup.
Amorim praised Ugarte’s commitment and resilience, describing the Uruguayan as a tireless force who played a crucial role in key matches, including the high-stakes Champions League group stages.
However, Amorim’s assessment of Ugarte’s game hinted at areas needing development.
He noted that while Ugarte excelled in intensity and ball-winning abilities, his tactical reading and positioning lagged behind, suggesting that he lacked some attributes needed to adapt seamlessly to Amorim’s evolving style.
After Ugarte left for Paris Saint-Germain in a £51 million deal, Sporting filled the void with Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand, whom Amorim described as a more “complete player” due to his heightened tactical awareness.
Amorim emphasized how Hjulmand’s defensive positioning and game intelligence aligned with his preferred system, highlighting a shift in his coaching philosophy.
Now at United, Ugarte faces renewed pressure to adapt quickly, especially after a challenging start to the season, including limited appearances since a tough outing against Tottenham in September.
Should Amorim take over as United’s manager, he would likely bring a tactical approach centered on high pressing and structured play, qualities he believes Hjulmand exemplified more than Ugarte.
Still, there is hope that Amorim’s familiarity with Ugarte’s strengths could lead to improvements in United’s midfield, potentially giving the Uruguayan a chance to thrive under his former mentor’s guidance.
United is eager to finalize Amorim’s deal ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Chelsea, with hopes that a new managerial direction will help the club recover from a rocky start to the season.