Ruben Amorim has declared that his new position as head coach of AC Milan represents a bigger challenge than his previous role at Manchester United. The 41-year-old Portuguese manager was officially unveiled at a press conference in Milan on Monday after signing a three-year contract with the Serie A club, replacing Massimiliano Allegri.
Amorim's tenure at Manchester United lasted just 14 months, ending in January 2026 when the club sacked him with the team sitting sixth in the Premier League. He secured only 25 victories from 63 matches in charge, attracting significant criticism for his tactical decisions and underwhelming performances. Following his departure, Michael Carrick took over on an interim basis and eventually secured the role permanently, guiding United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Amorim's Challenge at AC Milan
Speaking to reporters at his introductory press conference, Amorim explained why he chose Milan despite vowing to take a smaller challenge after his United exit. As quoted by Italian football website Calciomercato, he said: "I'm really very happy to be here, it's an honour to be the coach of Milan. Why did I choose Milan? If you read an old interview of mine you will understand it, for me a special club."
He added: "It's a very big challenge that I accepted even if after the last one [at Manchester United] I told myself to accept a smaller one. Perhaps it is a greater challenge than the last. I'm proud to be here, we all are, me and my staff."
Milan's Ambitions Under Amorim
Amorim made clear his intention to win trophies at the San Siro, stating: "I'm at Milan to win, if you're the Milan coach you have to have this mentality. I'm not naive, I know there's a lot of work to do, but if you're the Milan coach you have to play to win."
Milan finished fifth in Serie A last season, missing out on Champions League qualification. Amorim's primary objective will be to steer the club back into Europe's elite competition while challenging rivals Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli for the Serie A title.
Backroom Team
Amorim will be joined at Milan by his trusted backroom team, including Carlos Fernandes, Emanuel Ferro, Adelio Candido and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital, all of whom worked with him at Manchester United.
