Ruben Amorim Faces A Bigger Challenge At AC Milan Than Manchester United, Experts Say

Ruben Amorim has described it as an honour to become AC Milan's new head coach, outlining clear ambitions to restore the club’s status after recent struggles in Serie A and following a difficult spell in charge of Manchester United that ended with dismissal in 2025.

The Portuguese coach arrived in Italy on Monday to start work with the Rossoneri, who missed out on Champions League qualification in 2025-26. Amorim stressed both pride and responsibility, while also admitting this role feels even more demanding than the challenge faced at Old Trafford.

"I'm really very happy to be here, it's an honour to be Milan's coach," Amorim said, as quoted by DiMarzio, upon landing. "It's a big challenge. After the last one, I'd promised myself to choose a smaller challenge, but I'm here and it's an even bigger challenge."

Amorim continued by stressing the importance of work over words, while also outlining expectations that come with AC Milan. "I'm really proud to be here, I just want to work with my players and my staff, and I'm truly happy to be here. In Milan to win? Of course. If you want to be Milan's coach, you have to play for that."

Milan had appeared on course for a top-four finish last season after responding to an opening-day defeat against newly-promoted Cremonese with a 24-match unbeaten league run. However, results declined badly in the closing weeks, with only five victories from their final 13 Serie A games, alongside one draw and seven defeats.

That slump meant Milan finished a single point behind Cesc Fabregas' Como, who secured fifth place, leaving the Rossoneri outside the Champions League positions for a second straight campaign. Amorim therefore arrives at a club under pressure to re-establish itself among Italy's leading teams and return to Europe’s top competition.

AC Milan new head coach Ruben Amorim following difficult Manchester United spell

Before accepting the Milan job, Amorim had been out of work for six months after being sacked by Manchester United in January 2026. The 41-year-old led United in 63 matches in all competitions, winning 24, drawing 18 and losing 21, during a tenure marked by problems on and off the pitch.

Amorim's Premier League record with United was particularly poor. Across 47 league fixtures, United won 15, drew 14 and lost 18, giving a 32% win rate. That figure stands as the lowest win percentage for any United manager in Premier League history, underlining why the club decided to make a change.

The final stretch of Amorim's time in Manchester coincided with United's worst Premier League season, the 2024-25 campaign. United ended 15th in the table, their lowest finish in the modern era, with only 42 points and 44 goals scored, both club lows for a Premier League season, placing further strain on Amorim's position.

AC Milan new head coach Ruben Amorim working with changing squad

While Amorim settles in, Milan have already reshaped the squad by signing Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported €80m fee, a club-record deal. Ramos agreed a five-year contract after scoring 45 goals in 131 appearances in all competitions for PSG, and is expected to lead Milan's attack.

This summer could also bring significant outgoing movement. Rafael Leao has expressed a desire to look at options elsewhere and is open to a transfer to the Premier League or LaLiga. Reports in Europe have linked Barcelona, Tottenham and Manchester United with interest, while a future move to the Saudi Pro League is still considered possible.

With Ruben Amorim now confirmed as AC Milan's new head coach, the club enters 2026-27 needing a swift improvement in Serie A results and a return to the Champions League, while also managing major squad changes and the shadow of Amorim's Manchester United record as the Portuguese coach attempts to reset his reputation.