Former Real Madrid and Portuguese national team left-back, Fabio Coentrao, recently expressed his strong support and admiration for Ruben Amorim, who was appointed as Manchester United’s new head coach on November 11.
In a surprising statement, Coentrao called Amorim “by far, the best manager in the world,” a sentiment that stands in stark contrast to the popular view that Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola holds this title. Coentrao’s praise stems from personal experience, having played alongside Amorim during their time with the Portuguese national team and at Benfica, where he witnessed Amorim’s capabilities up close.
Amorim’s move from Sporting CP to Manchester United marks a pivotal moment for the English club, which has been struggling to find stability in its managerial role in recent years.
With Amorim at the helm, Coentrao believes that United may have finally resolved this long-standing issue. Manchester United, a club that once dominated English and European football, has faced difficulties maintaining consistent success since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Numerous high-profile managers, including Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have come and gone, but none have managed to restore the club to its former glory. Coentrao’s optimism reflects a hope shared by many United fans that Amorim’s fresh approach and tactical acumen might be the key to a new era of success.
During an event covered by Alfredo Pedulla, Coentrao voiced his confidence in Amorim’s capabilities and expressed his happiness for his former teammate. “Sporting have lost a very important player, but I am happy for Ruben.
He deserves this and much more,” Coentrao stated. His choice of words underscored the high regard in which he holds Amorim, viewing him as more than just a talented manager but as an asset whose potential impact could transcend Sporting and elevate Manchester United to new heights.
Ruben Amorim’s success as a manager has been nothing short of impressive. Since taking over at Sporting CP in 2020, he led the team to a Portuguese Primeira Liga title in his first full season, breaking a near two-decade drought for the club. This achievement alone highlighted his tactical skills and ability to manage high-pressure situations.
Amorim then repeated the feat, securing another league title and further solidifying his reputation in Portuguese football. His efforts with Sporting earned him numerous accolades, and his teams were known for their disciplined defense, dynamic attack, and ability to perform consistently under pressure.
In his final season with Sporting CP before departing for Manchester United, Amorim left his team at the top of the Portuguese league after 11 matches, a testament to his impact and leadership. This departure, however, has left Sporting with a void to fill, as Amorim was not only a manager but a symbol of hope and resilience for the club.
His record with Sporting made him a standout candidate for major European clubs, and Manchester United’s decision to bring him in demonstrates their commitment to revitalizing the squad with a young, innovative manager at the peak of his career.
Coentrao’s statement about Amorim is not only a vote of confidence but a bold assertion in the football world, where managers such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Carlo Ancelotti are often regarded as the elite.
Guardiola, in particular, has often been celebrated as the finest manager in contemporary football due to his numerous league titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, as well as his revolutionary approach to the game. Yet, Coentrao’s admiration for Amorim suggests he sees qualities in the Portuguese coach that set him apart even from Guardiola.
Perhaps it is Amorim’s relatability, rooted in his experience as a former player, or his ability to forge strong connections with players while implementing a clear, winning strategy. Either way, Coentrao’s endorsement points to a belief that Amorim’s understanding of the game could make him the ideal figure to guide Manchester United back to success.
This endorsement from Coentrao has resonated with Manchester United supporters, many of whom are eager to see if Amorim can bring the same success he achieved in Portugal to Old Trafford. For fans, Amorim’s arrival signals a new direction, one that may prioritize team cohesion and a balanced, dynamic style of play.
Amorim’s ability to manage young players and integrate them into a cohesive unit aligns with United’s history of developing homegrown talent. If he can replicate this model, it could mean a resurgence of the club’s traditional identity—combining youth development with a competitive edge, reminiscent of the days when Sir Alex Ferguson molded United into one of Europe’s most feared teams.
Manchester United’s squad, with established stars such as Bruno Fernandes and emerging talents like Alejandro Garnacho, offers Amorim a unique blend of experience and youth. His challenge will be to harness this potential effectively, instilling his style and philosophy while adapting to the competitive demands of the English Premier League. Given his track record at Sporting, where he worked wonders with limited resources, Amorim’s approach could bring a refreshing change to a club that has spent heavily on marquee signings in recent years but struggled to find the right balance on the pitch.
As Coentrao’s comments gain attention, they underscore the high expectations placed on Amorim and reflect the widespread anticipation of his impact. For Manchester United, the decision to appoint Amorim suggests a willingness to look beyond traditional managerial choices and opt for a young, visionary leader who embodies a modern approach to football management. In a league known for its physicality, speed, and intensity, Amorim’s tactical flexibility and focus on team cohesion may prove to be the keys to a successful transition for the club.
Only time will tell if Ruben Amorim can live up to the title of “the best manager in the world” that Coentrao so confidently bestowed upon him. Yet, as Manchester United fans and football enthusiasts alike watch his journey unfold, the stakes are undeniably high.
The pressure of managing one of the world’s most prestigious clubs is immense, but with Coentrao’s endorsement and a proven record of success in Portugal, Amorim seems prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.
His journey with Manchester United represents not only a personal milestone for Amorim but also an opportunity to shape the club’s future and return it to the heights its supporters have longed for.
