Opinion: Was Rúben Amorim Appointment the Right Call?

“But eras do come to an end”. The dismissal of Erik ten Hag in the middle of the 2024/25 season was a pivotal moment for Manchester United. Struggling to salvage a season filled with inconsistency, the club’s executives made the bold decision to bring in Sporting CP’s highly-rated manager, Rúben Amorim, rather than opting for an interim solution with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy until the end of the season.

While Amorim’s appointment signals ambition, questions remain over whether the timing was right or if United should have waited patiently for a more calculated transition.This piece is set to explore the pros and cons of this decision, analyze the performances under Erik ten Hag, and explore whether Amorim’s immediate hiring was the best course of action.

Manchester United Under Erik ten Hag

When Erik ten Hag took over in the summer of 2022, optimism surrounded the Dutchman, given his track record at Ajax. However, after a promising first season that saw United win the EFL Cup and secure Champions League qualification, cracks began to appear.

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Ten Hag’s Record at United (2022–2024)

Games Managed: 118, Wins: 67, Draws: 22, Losses: 29, Trophies: EFL Cup (2023), FA Cup (2024)

By the 2024/25 season, United had regressed significantly. Inconsistent results in the Premier League, and struggles in the Europa League group stage led to mounting pressure. The team’s lack of identity, defensive errors, and failure to integrate expensive signings like Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Mason Mount were reflections of a deeper problem. The decision to sack ten Hag was understandable, which I will always applaud but the next step was crucial. Would United go for a quick fix, or plan long-term?

Why Ruud van Nistelrooy as Interim Manager Is Better

Van Nistelrooy is a Manchester United legend, adored by fans and respected within the footballing community. His appointment as interim manager could have united a fractured fanbase and restored some pride and identity to the club. As an interim coach, Van Nistelrooy would have had limited expectations. This would have allowed him to stabilize the squad, focus on the basics, and prepare the team for a fresh start under a permanent manager in the summer.

Van Nistelrooy’s experience managing PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie shows he is tactical experience and capable of getting the best out of young or ill experienced players. In a short-term role, he could have focused on motivating the squad and getting results without the pressure of long-term planning.

Furthermore, by waiting until the summer, United could have explored a wider pool of managerial options, potentially targeting elite names like Julian Nagelsmann, Xabi Alonso or even appoint Van Nistelrooy on a permanent position as it has been seen previously with interim coaches getting the job after a beautiful performance. Instead, rushing to appoint Amorim limited their flexibility.

The Case for Rúben Amorim’s Immediate Appointment

Rúben Amorim is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest managerial talents, praised for his tactical innovation and ability to develop young players. Bringing him in immediately allowed him to start implementing his philosophy without wasting time.

United were in freefall when ten Hag was sacked. The club needed a proven manager to steady the ship, and Amorim’s success at Sporting CP, including a league title and deep runs in Europe, made him an attractive option. Amorim is known for his dynamic 3-4-3 system, which emphasizes pressing, fluid attacking play, and defensive organization. His tactical ability could address United’s lack of consistency on the pitch.

Furthermore, appointing Van Nistelrooy as an interim manager would have created uncertainty for players and staff, as they would know another manager was coming in the summer. By hiring Amorim mid-season, United sent a clear message about their long-term commitment.

Key Challenges for Amorim

Well the void Amorim came to fill was no ordinary one, several challenges were evidently apparent in the club and to many fans like myself, it is only through miracle can the situation be salvage. Amorim inherited a squad low on confidence and cohesion. Turning things around mid-season is a monumental task. Moreover, United’s current squad apparently does not suit Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, requiring tactical adjustments or new signings and taking over mid-season comes with pressure to deliver results quickly, even if the squad isn’t fully adapted to his methods.

Amorim vs Van Nistelrooy Statistics

Rúben Amorim (Sporting CP)

Games Managed (2020–2024): 181, Wins: 120, Draws: 38, Losses: 23, Trophies: 1 Primeira Liga, 2 Taça da Liga

Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV Eindhoven)

Games Managed (2022–2023): 54, Wins: 36, Draws: 8, Losses: 10, Trophies: 1 KNVB Cup, 1 Johan Cruyff Shield

While Van Nistelrooy has less experience, his winning percentage (66%) is comparable to Amorim’s (66.3%), showing his potential in a short-term role.

What Should Manchester United Have Done?

United’s decision to appoint Amorim mid-season was bold, but it carries significant risks. Van Nistelrooy, with his connection to the club and low-pressure interim role, might have been a safer option, allowing the club to conduct a thorough managerial search in the summer.

However, Amorim’s immediate appointment reflects a long-term vision, prioritizing stability and tactical direction over short-term fixes. If given time and resources, Amorim could transform United into a cohesive, modern footballing force.

Conclusion

The success of Manchester United’s decision ultimately hinges on Amorim’s ability to adapt quickly and deliver results. While Van Nistelrooy as an interim manager would have provided a sense of nostalgia and short-term stability, Amorim offers a chance to build something lasting.

Only time will tell if the club’s executives made the right call, but one thing is clear: Manchester United must now fully back Amorim with the patience, support, and resources needed to return the club to its former glory. Anything less would make even the best managerial appointment another failed chapter in United’s storied history.