Former Portugal international backs Ruben Amorim to succeed at Manchester United

Ruben Amorin has been backed to succeed to Manchester United by fellow countryman Jose Fonte.

There is a lot of excitement brewing with Amorim set to take charge of his first game as United head coach.

Amorim became United’s new head coach earlier this month following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. He was quickly identified as INEOS’ first-choice option to succeed the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

He leaves an impressive Sporting CP side behind after an unbeaten start to the 2024/25 campaign. The Portuguese champions have set standards in Europe with their 4-1 win over Man City in Amorim’s final home game at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

As a result, Amorim is regarded as one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football, which explains why he got the job, after winning five trophies during his time at Sporting.

United travel to Ipswich Town for their next Premier League clash on Sunday, and we’re favourites to take three points.

Speaking to JeffBet, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Fonte backed Amorim to repeat his success at Sporting with United.

The former Southampton defender said: “Ruben Amorim’s move to Manchester United is great for Portuguese football.

“He’s joined a huge club in Manchester United and I believe that he has all the attributes to succeed in the job. He’s very thorough. He’s very focused on attention to detail but he’s also an honest guy and he’s direct.

“He has played at a very, very good level. He knows what he’s doing. Now I’m just looking forward to seeing how he develops as a coach. He’s got a big task at hand, obviously with a lot of pressure, but the job that he did in Sporting was just incredible.

“He turned that club around and he brought success and titles – he can do the same at Manchester United…”

Bruno Fernandes to star under Ruben Amorim

Fonte believes Fernandes will excel under Amorim at Old Trafford, playing as many as two roles.

The club captain was linked with a move away from United in the summer but remained and is set to play a key role under the new head coach.

“Bruno Fernandes can play two roles in Ruben Amorim’s system, both as a central midfielder and as one of the No.10s,” Fonte added. “He could play deeper because he loves to play long passes, but then again the closer you have him to goal the more goals he will score.

“I think in one of the new No.10 positions he would be at his very best, he can play deeper but you want him scoring goals.”

Fernandes is the type of player who will commit to any manager, so he will be crucial as Amorim tries to implement his style to the squad.

It bodes well that he returns early from international duty to train with his new head coach.