Ruben Amorim is back in management, five months after being sacked by Manchester United. The 41-year-old Portuguese has signed a two-year contract to take over at AC Milan, replacing Massimiliano Allegri, who was dismissed after a catastrophic run of form that cost the club Champions League qualification.
Amorim will forego the year's pay he was still owed by United following his dismissal in January, according to reports in Italy. Milan announced the appointment, praising Amorim's "modern dominant tactical approach".
“Ruben Amorim appointed AC Milan head coach, five months after Manchester United sacking.”
"There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine," Amorim said. "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."
His time at Old Trafford ended after a torrid 14 months. He had replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024, after the club rejected his request to take over at the end of the season. In February, United said Amorim's exit, together with his coaching staff, could cost the club up to £15.9m. It is not known whether United will have to outline the saving in their next set of financial results, due out in the autumn.
Before United, Amorim had become one of Europe's most sought-after young coaches at Sporting, where he ended the club's 19-year wait for a league title in 2020-21 and won it again in 2023-24.
Last month, sources close to Amorim distanced him from the impending vacancy at former club Benfica, as it became apparent Jose Mourinho was about to leave for Real Madrid. (Former Fulham boss Marco Silva has since been appointed there.)
Amorim's first game in charge will be a pre-season match at Celtic on 25 July. Ironically, Milan conclude their pre-season campaign against Manchester United in Wroclaw on 15 August.