Manchester United have announced Ruben Amorim as the club's first-ever head coach, replacing Erik ten Hag after his sacking on Monday morning. In line with the change in role, Amorim looks set to inherit less power than his predecessor as INEOS finally form the sporting hierarchy they planned to in the summer.
The decision to retain Ten Hag as manager came as a surprise. The decision to extend his contract until 2026 was an even bigger one.
The decision to subsequently sanction over £200million in the transfer window was even more astonishing. But the most startling aspect was how Ten Hag clung to the power he possessed as manager.
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United's former power brokers handed the Dutchman significant control over the club's operations when he took charge in 2022.
He received a transfer veto, ultimately forming his Ajax and Netherlands-centric team that failed to progress beyond a strong cup team.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spent the first several months of his 27.7 per cent ownership moulding a best-in-class football leadership team to take the club forward.
United have appointed chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox as the team's core.
Christopher Vivell has also arrived at Old Trafford as director of global talent, solidifying that United will primarily influence recruitment rather than the coach.
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As head coach, above all, Amorim's top focus will be helming training sessions and selecting the team.
He isn't thought to have been given a recruitment veto, meaning that power is in the hands of United's football decision-makers.
Amorim will, of course, contribute to his signings. The role change creates a more streamlined process where every transfer target is agreed unanimously.
United have confirmed the 39-year-old will start work at the club on November 11, the start of the international break.
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Part of the club statement read: "Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.
"Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club's first title in 19 years."
Amorim will oversee his final three Sporting matches against Estrela Amadora, Manchester City and Braga over the next week.
Ruud van Nistelrooy will also continue as United's interim boss for the same period, helming games against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester City.
