Ruben Amorim's move to AC Milan offers a chance for revival after a disastrous spell at Manchester United, where he posted the worst league win percentage of any manager since World War Two. His 31.9% league record was only better than Wilf McGuinness's 29.2% among United bosses in the last eight decades. The Portuguese's tenure included historic lows, such as the club's lowest league finish in 50 years and a Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby.
Amorim's appointment at San Siro suggests Milan may blame United's dysfunction for his failure, rather than his own shortcomings. However, Michael Carrick's 70% win rate at Middlesbrough, achieved by being the antithesis of Amorim, undermines that defence. Unlike predecessors Rangnick, Ten Hag, Solskjaer, Mourinho, Van Gaal, and Moyes, Amorim took United to unprecedented depths.
Part of the problem was Amorim's tactical inflexibility. Despite being hailed as Europe's best young coach, he was regularly out-coached by Premier League managers. His stubborn 3-4-3 system struggled against mid-table teams, though he had respectable results against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City. In Serie A, where three-at-the-back formations are common, his approach may fit better, but questions remain about his ability to outmanoeuvre tactically astute Italian managers.
The slower pace of Serie A could suit Amorim, whose United side was rattled by quicker Premier League teams. However, his record against smaller clubs—such as Bournemouth, whose manager Andoni Iraola outclassed him—raises doubts. Iraola was reportedly higher on Milan's shortlist before being hired by Liverpool. As Milan look to modernise after Massimiliano Allegri's outdated style, Amorim must prove he is a contemporary choice, not a repeat of past failures.
