Manchester United’s appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach has stirred excitement and debate, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca recently weighing in. Following United’s decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag, the club moved swiftly to secure the Portuguese manager, announcing Amorim’s appointment on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with an option to extend for another year.
Amorim, 39, joins from Sporting Lisbon and will continue with his current club for three final matches before officially taking charge. As such, he will not be on the sidelines when United face Chelsea on Sunday. Despite this, Maresca expressed confidence in United’s choice. “Ruben Amorim will do a great job at Man United,” Maresca stated. “I’ve watched many Sporting games, and I know the way they play. It’s a fantastic style, how they defend and attack. I have no doubt he’ll succeed.”
Currently ranked sixth in the Premier League with 17 points, Chelsea could climb as high as third with a win over United. However, Manchester United interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is focused on leading the team until Amorim’s arrival, which is expected after the international break. On Wednesday, van Nistelrooy made an impressive start, guiding United to a 5-2 victory over Leicester. Reflecting on his role, van Nistelrooy said, “Erik ten Hag brought me back, and I’ll always be grateful. It’s an honor to manage this club, and I’m committed to helping turn things around.”
United reportedly paid an additional €1 million on top of Amorim’s £8.3 million release clause to facilitate an early departure, allowing Amorim time to familiarize himself with his new environment before his first match on November 24 against Ipswich Town. Until then, van Nistelrooy will manage games against Chelsea and Leicester, as well as a Europa League match against PAOK.
Although Amorim’s era at United has yet to begin, sources indicate United players are eager for van Nistelrooy to stay on in a permanent role under the new head coach.