Rúben Amorim joins AC Milan after Manchester United exit, with reports of a three-year deal

AC Milan have appointed Rúben Amorim as head coach, five months after he was dismissed by Manchester United. Italian media report a three-year contract worth EUR 3.5 million per season plus bonuses. RedBird managing partner Gerry Cardinale cited Amorim’s Sporting record, possession-based style, and pressing approach as key factors in the decision.

AC Milan appointed Rúben Amorim on Tuesday, five months after Manchester United dismissed the coach. One of Amorim’s first fixtures is set to be against the former club. Milan did not confirm contract length. Italian media reported a three-year deal worth 3.5 million euros ($4 million) yearly, plus bonuses.

The 41-year-old replaces Massimiliano Allegri, who was fired last month. Milan also removed the CEO and several senior directors. RedBird, the club’s American owner, called the season an unequivocal failure. Milan ended fifth on the final day and missed Champions League qualification.

AC Milan hires Rúben Amorim after Serie A collapse

Milan spent much of the Serie A season in the top two places. The club stayed in the title race for long spells. A late slump changed that outcome. Milan managed only two wins in the last eight matches. That poor run pushed the side down to fifth at season’s end.

Gerry Cardinale, managing partner of RedBird, said the club had followed Amorim closely. "We have tracked Rúben for years and his Sporting tenure is extremely impressive and reflects the style of play that we are looking for,\" Cardinale said. \"He is one of the most prepared and innovative coaches of the new European generation - young, ambitious, and with a modern footballing identity defined by dominating games in possession, a modern pressing system and a clear tactical approach.\"

Rúben Amorim tactics: 3-4-3 plan for AC Milan

At Manchester United, Amorim faced steady doubts about tactics. Amorim kept using a 3-4-3 shape despite mixed results. That attacking approach differs from Allegri’s more defensive methods. Reports said Cardinale and adviser Zlatan Ibrahimovic liked the system and its pressing style.

\"Rúben believes in high press attacking football with quick transitions that enable greater goal scoring,\" Cardinale added. \"His philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision, while his leadership qualities and track record in developing players stood out to us.We believe in Rúben and are excited to welcome him to the club.\"

Allegri used 3-4-3 rarely, mostly when chasing matches late. Many Milan players are not proven in that structure. Still, the setup could fit wingback Alexis Saelemaekers due to pace and attacking strength. Christian Pulisic may suit a wide role in the front three.

Rafael Leão is seen as another strong fit for the system. Leão has said he will leave Milan in the offseason. It is unclear if that stance changes under Amorim. Milan is scheduled to face Manchester United in a pre-season friendly in Poland on Aug. 15.

Manchester United exit shapes Rúben Amorim AC Milan move

Manchester United fired Amorim in January after 14 difficult months. The decision came a day after provocative comments in a post-match press conference. Amorim had apologised to supporters after the 2024-25 season. Amorim called it a disastrous campaign as United finished 15th, its lowest in the Premier League era.

During that period, United set unwanted benchmarks under Amorim. The team recorded the most losses in a Premier League season. The side also logged the club’s lowest points total. Before the England spell, Amorim had been rated among Europe’s brightest coaches.

At Sporting Lisbon, Amorim ended a long wait for a league title. The coach led Sporting to its first championship in 19 years in 2021. Sporting won the Primeira Liga again three years later. Those results helped build Amorim’s reputation before the Premier League setback.

Earlier in his career, Amorim told Portuguese media about long-held ambitions. Amorim said it was a childhood dream to play for Benfica and Milan. After mostly playing for Benfica, Amorim joked that coaching Milan might be the route. \"There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career,\" Amorim said Tuesday, \"and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine. I know exactly what this club means: history, prestige and an extraordinary fanbase around the world. It is a challenge I embrace with pride and enthusiasm, fully aware of what these colors represent. I cant wait to get started and to experience every day the passion that drives AC Milan.\"

Milan’s appointment of Amorim follows leadership changes and a late-season slide in Serie A. The club is banking on a pressing, possession-based approach and a clearer tactical identity. Contract details remain unconfirmed by Milan, though Italian reports cited three years. Amorim’s early schedule includes a friendly against Manchester United on Aug. 15.

With inputs from PTI