Ruben Amorim failed spectacularly at Manchester United, but now the Portuguese coach is making a fresh start at a top European club: At AC Milan, he is continuing a trend that has been evident in recent years.
AC Milan hasn’t been deterred by its rather limited success with its compatriots: Ruben Amorim is set to become the Rossoneri’s new head coach. As the Italian club announced on Tuesday evening, the 41-year-old coach has signed with the team that finished fifth in last season’s Serie A. According to media reports, the contract is for two years through 2028, with an option for an additional year. According to a report by the Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Amorim will earn a net salary of 3.5 million euros in Milan, plus bonuses for winning titles and qualifying for the Champions League.
Milan recently missed out on the Champions League for the second consecutive season, slipping out of the top four—and thus out of the Champions League spots—on the final matchday of the Serie A season. As a result, head coach Massimiliano Allegri, as well as sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada, and CEO Giorgio Furlani were all relieved of their duties. While Frankfurt’s Markus Krösche is also being mentioned as a candidate at the management level, there is now clarity regarding Allegri’s successor as head coach.
“We’ve been watching Ruben for years; his tenure at Sporting is very impressive and reflects the style of play we’ve been looking for,” Gerry Cardinale, owner of the RedBird investment fund, is quoted as saying in a club statement. Amorim is described as one of the “best-prepared and most innovative coaches of the new European generation,” known for a clear tactical approach focused on high pressing and quick transitions. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the vision of the Rossoneri’s leadership.
ManUnited Will Save on Amorim’s Salary Going Forward
Amorim, who had risen to become one of Europe’s hottest coaching prospects during his time at Sporting Lisbon, took over Manchester United in November 2024; the Red Devils had paid a transfer fee of around eleven million euros to Lisbon. In Manchester, however, Amorim struggled on the field, and internal conflicts arose, which he eventually addressed publicly. His tenure at ManUnited came to an end in early January. The English club, where Amorim was still on the payroll through 2027, will save on the Portuguese coach’s salary going forward thanks to his new role in Milan.
Coaching Milan had been one of his career goals, Amorim said in the club’s announcement: “I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige, and an extraordinary fan base around the world. It’s a challenge I accept with pride and enthusiasm, fully aware of what these colors stand for.”
Amorim is now the third Portuguese coach at Milan in just two years. After Stefano Pioli’s era ended in 2024 following nearly five years, Milan initially turned to Paulo Fonseca, who was let go after just six months. His compatriot Sergio Conceicao took over for the remainder of the season; although he did win the Italian Supercoppa, he too had to make way for Allegri after a generally disappointing season that ended with the team in 8th place.
Both coaches’ tenures lasted exactly 182 days. Now, in the fashion capital, they’re hoping the third Portuguese coach will be a better fit.
