Ruben Amorim joins new club and saves Manchester United millions in payout

Ruben Amorim has joined AC Milan as their new head coach only six months after being sacked from Manchester United.

The Portuguese manager replaces Massimiliano Allegri after the Rossoneri endured a poor season.

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Can he transform AC Milan?

The Italian giants missed out on Champions League qualification, despite being top of the league in December.

Amorim has signed a two-year contract with an option to extend until June 2029.

“There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,” Amorim told Milan’s club media.

“I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world. It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm, fully aware of what these colors represent.

“I can’t wait to get started and to experience every day the passion that drives AC Milan.”

Music to United fans ears

The 41 year old’s contract was terminated with the Red Devils in January at the end of a difficult 14-month tenure.

The Portuguese replaced Erik ten Hag in the dugout in November 2024.

During his time at Old Trafford, Amorim oversaw United’s lowest Premier League finish, ending the 2024/25 season in 15th.

Additionally, he lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, which meant it was the first time the Manchester-based outfit had not secured European football since 2014.

With the ex-United manager back in work, the club are no longer liable to pay his full compensation of £16.7million.

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The Premier League side’s finances have been further boosted by the announcement of their own Amazon ‘All or Nothing’ documentary.

The negotiations supposedly happened while the 41-year-old was in charge, however, the cameras will now focus on Michael Carrick and his squad.

Since he was appointed interim manager, Carrick was able to transform United and secure their position in the premium continental competition after finishing third last season.

Nottingham Forest‘s head of recruitment, Pedro Ferreira, has also been rumoured to join his fellow countryman in Italy.

A man in demand

Prior to Amorim’s move to England, he was considered as one of Europe’s top young coaches, guiding Sporting Lisbon to a league title in 2021 after a 19-year wait.

He added another trophy to his collection, winning the Portuguese top flight again in 2024.

The former midfielder was speculated to join his ex-club Benfica after Jose Mourinho was rumoured to leave for Real Madrid, however, Marco Silva has since been appointed.

Amorim’s first game in charge will be against Scottish giants Celtic in a pre-season friendly.

Ironically, AC Milan are scheduled to play Man United during their preparations for the upcoming campaign on August 15.