Amorim’s possible return to Italy
Ruben Amorim, the 41‑year‑old Portuguese coach who was sacked by Manchester United in January, is the front‑runner for the vacant managerial post at AC Milan. The Serie A side has been without a permanent coach since the departure of Massimiliano Allegri, who was dismissed along with a handful of senior executives as the club seeks to rebuild after failing to secure a Champions League spot.
Amorim’s departure from Old Trafford came after a disastrous Premier League campaign in which United finished 15th, their lowest league position in the competition’s history. The club paid roughly €11 million to terminate his contract, a move that has been linked to strained relations with director of football Jason Wilcox. In a recent interview, Amorim described himself not as a “coach” but as the “manager” of the team, a distinction that hinted at his broader remit.
The Portuguese’s reputation in Europe had previously made him a highly‑rated candidate, and his brief stint at United was marked by a rapid turnover of players and a series of tactical experiments. His potential appointment comes at a time when Milan’s hierarchy is looking for a fresh philosophy to restore competitiveness.
Other names have surfaced in the Italian press, including former Porto boss Sérgio Conceição and a handful of Premier League veterans, but sources close to the Milan board say Amorim remains the preferred choice. The club’s recent recruitment drive also includes a new sporting director, a move that could influence the final decision.
If the talks conclude successfully, Amorim would become the latest Portuguese manager to take charge of a major Italian club, following in the footsteps of Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelotti. The appointment would also mark a symbolic shift for Milan, whose recent history has been defined by missed European qualification and a series of short‑term solutions.