Ruben Amorim, a leading candidate for the Manchester United managerial role, has demonstrated his tactical prowess against elite Premier League managers, though he has also faced setbacks. Currently at the helm of Sporting Lisbon, Amorim is favored to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford following the Dutch coach's dismissal.

2025-09-28 21:39:36 By

Despite never leading a Premier League team, Amorim's strategic acumen has proven effective against several top-tier managers. Notably, his Sporting Lisbon team bested Mikel Arteta's Arsenal in the Europa League's last 16 in 2023.
Amorim outfoxed Arteta with tactical display… but lost to Erik ten Hag twice

Amorim's Sporting Lisbon secured draws in both matches against Arsenal, with a 2-2 result at home and a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, showcasing his tactical mastery.

During the matches, Sporting adopted a back-three formation when in possession, maximizing forward pressure and providing a platform for Marcus Edwards to excel.

They transitioned into a back-five when Arsenal attacked, effectively neutralizing the opposition's forward thrust by maintaining their defensive shape and pressing up to the halfway line.

Man Utd's summer signing, Manuel Ugarte, was a key figure in Sporting's midfield rotation and tactical flexibility in the second leg against Arsenal.

Ugarte, along with Pedro Goncalves, constantly interchanged positions to disrupt Arsenal's defensive organization and create spaces for effective play.

Amorim's experience against other Premier League managers includes a win and a loss against Oliver Glasner's Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in 2022, with Glasner now at Crystal Palace.

His encounters with Pep Guardiola resulted in a 0-0 stalemate in the Champions League round of 16, contrasted with a heavy 5-0 defeat in the return leg.

Amorim's record against Premier League managers is somewhat marred by his confrontations with Erik ten Hag, where his Sporting Lisbon conceded nine goals across two matches against Ajax in 2021.

Sporting suffered defeats of 5-1 and 4-2 to Ajax, a team featuring current Man Utd players such as Antony, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui.

Amorim also faced Tottenham, securing a 2-0 win and a 1-1 draw against Antonio Conte's side.

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