Rúben Amorim, the Portuguese tactician at the helm of Manchester United, has often reiterated a simple yet profound mantra in his post-match reflections: "Everything is important."
This phrase, uttered amid the highs and lows of his tenure at Old Trafford, encapsulates his meticulous approach to football management.
As of December 2025, with United navigating a turbulent season, Amorim's emphasis on every detail—from substitutions to squad mentality—remains central to his philosophy.
But as recent results show, translating that ethos into consistent success at one of the world's biggest clubs is proving challenging.
From Player to Coach: A Foundation Built on Resilience
Born on January 27, 1985, in Lisbon, Portugal, Rúben Filipe Marques Amorim began his football journey in the youth ranks of local clubs before making his senior debut with Belenenses in 2003.
As a versatile midfielder, he excelled in defensive roles while contributing offensively, drawing comparisons to fellow Portuguese star Tiago for his balanced play.
His move to Benfica in 2008 marked a successful period, where he helped secure three Primeira Liga titles, one Taça de Portugal, and multiple league cups over seven seasons, despite loans to Braga and Al-Wakrah.
Injuries plagued his later years, including knee surgeries and a cruciate ligament tear, leading to his retirement in 2017 after 14 caps for Portugal, including appearances at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
Amorim's transition to management was swift and studious. He earned his coaching license through the Lisbon Football Association and interned under José Mourinho, absorbing lessons in leadership and tactics.
His early stints at Casa Pia and Braga B were brief but formative, setting the stage for his breakthrough at Braga's senior team in December 2019, where he won the Taça da Liga in just his second month.
Triumph at Sporting: Building a Winning Machine
Amorim's real ascent came at Sporting CP in March 2020, when he was appointed for a record €10 million fee.
There, he ended a 19-year league drought in his first full season, securing the 2020–21 Primeira Liga and Taça da Liga double with a 32-match unbeaten run.
He was named Primeira Liga Manager of the Year and followed up with another league title in 2023–24, plus additional cups and strong European showings.
His record at Sporting—164 wins in 231 games—highlighted his ability to develop talents like Nuno Mendes, Pedro Gonçalves, and Viktor Gyökeres while navigating player sales.
The Philosophy: Why Everything Matters
Influenced by mentors like Jorge Jesus and Mourinho, with admiration for Pep Guardiola, Amorim's style is pragmatic and adaptive.
He favors a 3-4-3 formation, emphasizing a compact low block, high pressing, and dynamic wing-back play to exploit spaces.
But beyond tactics, his core belief is in the minutiae: "Everything is important, every game is important. We need to win the next one," as he stated after a recent 1-1 draw with West Ham.
This mindset fosters a collective spirit, player development, and relentless intensity, crediting team effort over individual brilliance.
In interviews, he stresses hard work, intuition, and adaptation, building camaraderie through transparency and focus on details that turn games.
The Manchester United Era: Promise Meets Pressure
Appointed on November 1, 2024, following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, Amorim arrived with high expectations and a contract until 2027. His debut season showed flashes: a 4-0 win over Everton, a Manchester derby victory, and a Europa League final appearance (lost to Tottenham).
However, it ended trophyless, with United finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League—Amorim himself called it "probably the worst in the history."
The 2025–26 campaign has been mixed. Early exits like the EFL Cup loss to Grimsby Town drew criticism, but wins at Liverpool (first away since 2016) and against Brighton earned him Premier League Manager of the Month for October.
As of December 5, 2025, his record stands at 22 wins, 15 draws, and 20 losses (38.6% win rate). The latest setback—a 1-1 draw with West Ham on December 4, where United conceded late—left Amorim "frustrated and angry," defending his substitutions amid fan backlash.
Social media reflects divided opinions: some fans predict his exit, while others urge patience, with club officials reaffirming confidence.
Looking Ahead: Can the Mantra Deliver?
Despite the scrutiny, Amorim's track record suggests potential for turnaround. His focus on youth integration, like eyeing prospect JJ Gabriel, and tactical tweaks could stabilize United.
As he navigates the Premier League's intensity, the question remains: Will "everything is important" propel Manchester United back to glory, or will the pressures of Old Trafford prove too much? For now, Amorim's resolve echoes his words—every step counts in rebuilding a giant.
