Italian football giants AC Milan are reportedly on the verge of appointing former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim as their new head coach, marking a swift return to elite football management for one of Europe’s most highly rated young tacticians.
The Portuguese coach, who left Manchester United earlier this year following a difficult spell at Old Trafford, is now poised to begin a new chapter in Serie A after reaching an agreement in principle with the Rossoneri.
According to reports from Portugal, Amorim has accepted an initial two-year contract that will keep him at the San Siro until 2028, with an option for an additional season included in the agreement. The deal is expected to be finalized once approval is received from AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale and the leadership of RedBird Capital Partners.
The move represents a significant statement of intent from Milan, who are determined to restore their status among Europe’s elite after missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification in consecutive seasons.
A New Beginning After Manchester United Setback
Amorim’s appointment comes just months after his departure from Manchester United, where expectations were high following his arrival from Portuguese club Sporting CP.
Despite being regarded as one of the brightest coaching minds in European football, the 41-year-old struggled to implement his ideas consistently at Old Trafford. Results failed to match expectations, ultimately leading to his dismissal midway through the season.
Following his exit, many believed Amorim would take time away from football to reassess his future. However, the opportunity to manage one of the world’s most historic clubs appears to have changed those plans.
AC Milan’s reputation, rich history, and ambitious rebuilding project reportedly convinced the Portuguese manager to return to the dugout sooner than expected.
The Rise of Ruben Amorim
Before becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches, Amorim enjoyed a successful playing career in Portugal.
Born in Lisbon, he played primarily as a midfielder and represented clubs such as Belenenses, Benfica, Braga, and the Portuguese national team. During his time at Benfica, he won multiple league titles and established himself as a reliable presence in midfield.
His transition into coaching was equally impressive.
Amorim first gained widespread recognition after guiding Braga to domestic success before making the move to Sporting CP in 2020. At Sporting, he transformed the club into Portuguese champions, ending a league title drought that had lasted nearly two decades.
His innovative tactical system, emphasis on youth development, and strong leadership quickly earned admiration across Europe. Under his guidance, Sporting developed several talented players while competing consistently in both domestic and European competitions.
Those achievements eventually led Manchester United to place their trust in him, although his Premier League adventure proved shorter than anticipated.
Financial Details of the Agreement
Reports indicate that Amorim will earn approximately €3.5 million per season at AC Milan, with additional bonuses linked to performance objectives.
These incentives are expected to include qualification for the UEFA Champions League, domestic success in Serie A, and progress in European competitions.
For Milan, the investment reflects confidence in Amorim’s ability to rebuild the squad and establish a clear footballing identity capable of challenging Italy’s top clubs.
The Portuguese manager was reportedly preferred over several alternative candidates, including Al Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle. One major advantage was Amorim’s status as a free agent, allowing Milan to avoid paying a substantial compensation fee to another club.
Financial Relief for Manchester United
Amorim’s rapid return to management could also provide unexpected financial benefits for Manchester United.
The Premier League club had been facing a significant compensation obligation following his dismissal and the departure of members of his coaching staff.
By accepting a new managerial role, Amorim is expected to forgo a substantial portion of the compensation package that United would otherwise have been required to pay.
This development could ease financial pressures at Old Trafford as the club continues to reshape its football operations under new leadership.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have moved forward under current manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen an improvement in performances since taking charge.
Milan’s Wider Rebuilding Project
The appointment of Amorim forms part of a broader restructuring plan at AC Milan.
Club executives are also actively searching for a new sporting director to oversee recruitment and long-term squad planning. Reports suggest that Eintracht Frankfurt executive Markus Krosche and Fenerbahce official Devin Ozek are among the leading contenders.
Ozek has earned particular praise for his contribution to the development of Bayer Leverkusen’s recent success, helping assemble a squad that challenged and eventually disrupted Bayern Munich’s long-standing dominance of German football.
The combination of a new head coach and a fresh sporting structure signals Milan’s determination to return to the summit of Italian football.
A Crucial Challenge Awaits
Amorim now faces one of the most important assignments of his managerial career.
AC Milan supporters will expect immediate progress after recent disappointments, while the club’s hierarchy will be looking for a coach capable of restoring consistency, developing young talent, and guiding the team back into the Champions League.
With a reputation built on tactical intelligence, modern football philosophy, and player development, Amorim arrives in Milan with both opportunity and pressure.
Should the deal be officially completed, the Portuguese coach will have the chance to rebuild his reputation on one of football’s biggest stages and lead the seven-time European champions into a new era of ambition and renewal.
