Manchester United have made two significant changes to Ruben Amorim’s role when compared to his predecessor Erik ten Hag.
United announced on Friday that Amorim is set to become Ten Hag‘s permanent replacement at Old Trafford, after the Dutchman was sacked as manager earlier this week.
United have reached an agreement with Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon for Amorim to start his new role with the Premier League club on November 11.
He has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Red Devils, which the club can extend for a further 12 months.
The Daily Mail report that United have paid €1m (£837,000) on top of Amorim’s £8.3m release clause to secure an early departure, which will allow him to work with players over the upcoming international break later this month.
Crucially, Amorim’s job title will be head coach, rather than manager – the title held by Ten Hag during his time at Old Trafford.
This marks a shift at the club following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS in February and the introduction of a new footballing structure, headed by sporting director Dan Ashworth.
It’s the first time ever that United have had a head coach in charge of the senior team, rather than a manager.
It’s not the only major difference between Amorim’s job role and that of Ten Hag.
GiveMeSport journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Amorim does not have a recruitment veto, unlike his predecessor.
Ten Hag was given a veto over any transfers at United, a power that he kept even after signing a new contract with the club in the summer.
But Amorim has been given no such luxury, marking a significant change in the football operations at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag held a recruitment veto at United (Image: Getty)
United spent more than £600m on signings in Ten Hag’s era, including around £200m in the summer transfer window.
But that has failed to translate to success on the pitch, with the club currently 14th in the Premier League.
United next face Chelsea on Sunday, with caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy set to remain in charge for the game and upcoming matches against PAOK and Leicester City.
Amorim will then take over during the international break, with his first match as head coach coming against Ipswich Town on November 24.