Ruben Amorim is expected to soon take the reins at Manchester United, with reports indicating he will officially step into the managerial role by mid-November. However, even before his arrival, some observers are voicing concerns that Amorim could be at risk of making a critical mistake similar to the one that contributed to the downfall of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag. Ten Hag’s tenure came to an abrupt end following a series of disappointing results, culminating in a 2-1 defeat to West Ham—a loss that pushed United’s leadership to act decisively. Now, with Amorim poised to fill the managerial void at Old Trafford, discussions have surfaced about whether he may be unknowingly setting himself up to repeat Ten Hag’s errors.
Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday after the team’s underwhelming performances throughout the 2024/25 season, a campaign marked by inconsistency and lack of direction. United’s decision to part ways with him highlights the mounting pressure on the club to turn things around quickly. In a bid to reset, United’s management moved swiftly, reaching an agreement to secure Amorim from Sporting CP. According to Sky Sports, the club has agreed to pay an €11 million release clause to free him from his contract in Portugal, signaling their confidence in him as the man to bring stability and renewed energy to Old Trafford.
Nevertheless, early reports suggest that Amorim may already be making moves that could lead him down the same troubled path as Ten Hag. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Amorim is set to start his managerial duties on November 11. Yet, questions have been raised about his approach, as some believe he might be leaning towards a similar strategy that Ten Hag employed—one that involved bringing in familiar players from his previous club, a tactic that backfired for the former Ajax manager.
Sources such as TEAMtalk report that Amorim has allegedly requested United to consider signing three Sporting CP players—Goncalo Inacio, Marcus Edwards, and Pedro Goncalves—in the summer of 2025. While this might appear to be a reasonable move to bring in talent he’s comfortable with, critics warn that this approach could be risky. When Ten Hag assumed the role at United, he also sought out players from his former league, specifically bringing in names from the Netherlands. Notably, his decision to recruit Antony, who struggled to acclimate to the demands and physicality of the Premier League, serves as a cautionary tale for Amorim.
The strategy of recruiting players from familiar backgrounds can sometimes create a sense of continuity, but in the high-stakes environment of the Premier League, it can also backfire if the players are unable to quickly adapt. With United’s pressing need for immediate results, Amorim could face backlash if the Sporting players he’s reportedly eyeing fail to deliver the expected impact. For now, though, these reports remain speculative; Amorim hasn’t officially taken over, and whether he’s actively influencing transfer decisions at this stage remains uncertain.
Ultimately, Amorim’s challenge will be to strike a balance between trusting players he knows well and addressing the unique demands of English football, where pace, intensity, and adaptability are key. While his familiarity with players like Inacio, Edwards, and Goncalves could potentially ease his transition, he must carefully consider whether they have the attributes necessary to thrive in the Premier League. As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Amorim can avoid the pitfalls that claimed Ten Hag’s stint and instead chart a fresh, effective course for Manchester United.