As Ruben Amorim marks one year as Manchester United’s head coach, he finally has genuine reasons to smile. The 40-year-old’s laughter has endured through every setback of his tenure. Amorim chuckled in Kuala Lumpur when his phone alarm rang mid-conference, just as the South East Asia Football Federation president welcomed United. He laughed again last month when asked if the Pope had contacted him after the Chelsea win, following his joke that not even the Holy Father could change his 3-4-2-1 system. Even last December, when he predicted turbulent times with his “storm will come” remark, he smiled.
Before the Nottingham Forest clash, exactly one year after his appointment, Amorim laughed again. “It’s my nature,” he said. “People expect me to look miserable, but I prefer to do the opposite. I won’t change who I am. I always believe something can shift.” Those close to him say his upbeat manner is sincere, not nervous. Despite challenging spells, Amorim remains a positive force at Carrington. United have won 22 games and lost 21 under him, better than many expected.
He stays sociable and engaged, celebrating players’ birthdays and lifting morale. Though he doesn’t mirror Sir Alex Ferguson’s close bonds with all staff or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s familiarity, Amorim values unity. He sees his role as more than results, maintaining connections beyond his Portuguese coaching circle.
A Coach Focused on Gratitude and Detail
Amorim’s sense of duty toward fans stands out. After home games, he spends long stretches taking photos and signing autographs, regardless of weather. He urges players to greet supporters on arrival at Old Trafford. He calls this gratitude, deeply appreciating the backing he’s received. After defeats, he joins players to acknowledge the crowd; after victories, he retreats to let them enjoy the spotlight.
Observers describe him as “very human and kind.” A year ago, few shared that sentiment. By October, United had only 34 points from 33 games—worse than almost every Premier League rival. Three consecutive wins changed that. Now Wolves and West Ham trail behind, and for the first time, Amorim earned a Manager of the Month nomination. If United win at Nottingham Forest, they could climb to second place, their highest mid-season position since 2021.
Amorim cautions against overconfidence but admits progress feels real. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “three-year plan” adds patience to the club’s outlook. A month ago, critics said Amorim’s press conferences outshone his results. Yet he dislikes the spotlight, speaking passionately but unrehearsed. His cheerful demeanor contrasts sharply with his intensity in training.
Intensity, Resilience, and Renewal at Old Trafford
During training sessions, Amorim often observes from afar, reflecting on his messages before intervening. Footage from his first session shows him coaching Kobbie Mainoo on precise movements and body positioning. This summer, he drilled players on tactical transitions and spacing, sometimes stopping sessions to reposition them. His focus on speed and defensive recovery now shapes the team’s identity.
With longer gaps between matches, his structure has finally taken hold. Poor performances at Grimsby and Brentford now appear as isolated setbacks. Inside the club, confidence in Amorim never wavered. Executives, including Ratcliffe, remain fully supportive. The target for the season remains clear: qualify for Europe.
Amorim admits doubts crossed his mind. “Some moments were really tough,” he said. “Losing so many games was painful because this is Manchester United. Focusing on the Europa League and failing hurt deeply. I wondered if it was meant to be. But now, I know joining United was the best choice of my life. I want to stay here.”
