Ruben Amorim has set a new milestone as the youngest Manchester United manager of the 21st century, following his appointment to succeed Erik ten Hag.
Amorim, a former Portuguese international, began his coaching career in 2018 and quickly rose to prominence. His impressive work during a brief stint at Braga caught the attention of Sporting CP, who brought him on board in March 2020.
Now, a little over four years later, Amorim is stepping into the Premier League, taking the reins as United’s new manager. At 39 years and 289 days old, he becomes the youngest manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and the youngest to hold the role since Wilf McGuinness, who took over in the summer of 1969 at just 31 years and 288 days.
Though United had a history of younger managers in its early years, the club has generally leaned toward more experienced coaches since Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
Amorim is the first under-40 manager to lead United since Ferguson. Interim managers Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick were both 40, and the youngest permanent manager in the post-Ferguson era was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was 45 years and 296 days old when appointed.
The youngest managers in Man Utd history
| Name | Age on date of appointment |
|---|---|
| Wilf McGuinness | 31 years and 288 days |
| Lal Hilditch | 32 years and 121 days |
| Sir Matt Busby | 36 years and 128 days |
| Ernest Mangnall | 37 years and 279 days |
| John Chapman | 39 years and 201 days |
| Ruben Amorim | 39 years and 289 days |