Man Utd confirm major decision over head coach ahead of Chelsea clash

Manchester United have confirmed a huge decision ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday. The Red Devils have confirmed the appointment of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as their new head coach after the sacking of Erik ten Hag earlier this week.

Ten Hag only signed a new contract in the summer after the board backed him despite the Red Devils finishing eighth and settling for an FA Cup last term on the back of significant spending. There was more significant spending in the summer just gone, but Ten Hag was still unable to deliver, with United currently in the bottom half having picked up just 11 points from nine games.

United have been quick to identify a new boss, though, with 39--year-old Amorim selected for the job having impressed at Sporting over recent years. The Portuguese boss has won two league titles in four years, also winning two league cups. Amorim’s sides usually play with wing-backs, employing a back three or back five, a system a number of bosses have had success with in the Premier League, including Antonio Conte at Chelsea.

Crucially, though, United’s £10million agreement with Sporting includes a notice period that will allow Amorim to stay with his current club until November 11 while they look to find a new boss to replace him. That means interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in charge for this Sunday’s Premier League clash between United and Chelsea at Old Trafford, an important fixture for the Blues as they look to return to the top four.

A United club statement read: “Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team, subject to work visa requirements. He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November.

“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years. Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”