Rúben Amorim and AC Milan have joined forces in a chapter that promises to change the course for both, in a partnership where the need is mutual and the ambition is at its peak. After a turbulent year, marked by dismissals and failed strategies, the Italian club has turned to the Portuguese coach to restore the identity and prestige of the historic Milanese emblem.
AC Milan, under the leadership of Massimiliano Allegri, failed to qualify for the Champions League and did not win any domestic trophies last season, which led to the departure of the Italian coach. Rúben Amorim, on the other hand, saw his tenure at Manchester United come to an abrupt end in January 2026, following disappointing results, tactical disagreements, and conflicts with the English club's management. The Portuguese accepted the challenge proposed by Milan for a two-year contract, with the aim of bringing the team back to the top of Italian and European football.
At the official presentation, Amorim emphasized the responsibility and thrill of coaching a club with such a grand history: “I feel a great pleasure and responsibility to be here. I sought a challenge like this. I have always admired the teams of Sacchi, Capello, and Ancelotti, and I have many memories of the former AC Milan. The history of the club is phenomenal. I already feel this as my home. From the first conversation, I realized that this was the right place for me, in terms of values. I believe in the project.”
AC Milan had aligned its strategy in the last transfer market with Allegri's pragmatic style, which favored a well-organized defensive structure and a controlled attack. However, the team failed to establish itself as a contender for one of the top two spots in Serie A, even after signing Niklas Füllkrug on loan. The frequent use of the 3-5-2 system, with ineffective offensive combinations, resulted in a frustrating season that culminated in a defeat against Cagliari in the last match, eliminating Milan from the Champions League.
At Manchester United, Amorim attempted to implement his fluid and organized style of play, inherited from Sporting, but the process of rebuilding the squad was troubled. The team finished the Premier League in 15th place, missed out on the Champions League, and lost the Europa League final. The tactical changes and pressure to abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 system created tensions that ultimately led to his departure.
O MUNDIAL 2026 VIVE-SE COM A LEGO
At Milan, Amorim's task begins with consolidating the goalkeeper position, with Mike Maignan as the undisputed starter, supported by goalkeepers Pietro Terracciano and Lorenzo Torriani. The defense, utilizing a three-center-back system, retains some foundations from the past, but Amorim aims for a more aggressive and dynamic style, with the wing-backs pushing forward with the ball. Fikayo Tomori emerges as the natural choice for the right center-back position, with Mario Gila Fuentes and Strahinja Pavlović completing the defensive trio.
The attacking full-backs, essential to Amorim's style of play, are expected to be Alexis Saelemaekers on the right and Pervis Estupiñán on the left, although the latter is involved in exit rumors, which could open space for young Davide Bartesaghi. In midfield, Luka Modrić's future has not yet been confirmed, but the Portuguese coach has already expressed his desire to keep the Croatian: “We want Modrić to stay. I have spoken to him, and for me, he remains a key reference point. I hope he returns after the World Cup break.”
Amorim has several options for midfield, with Adrien Rabiot, Ardon Jashari, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek providing offensive alternatives, while Yunus Musah and Youssouf Fofana stand out as more physical and covering midfielders. In attack, newly signed Gonçalo Ramos will be the offensive reference, with Santiago Giménez, Samuel Chukwueze, and Rafael Leão making up the attacking options, although the possible departure of Leão could weaken the team's firepower.
The challenge is significant, with some weaknesses requiring attention, notably the coverage in goal in case of injuries to Maignan and depth in the full-back positions, especially if Estupiñán leaves. The demanding schedule, with the Europa League, will test the squad's rotation capacity.
This reunion between Amorim and AC Milan represents an ambitious fresh start for both. The Portuguese coach has the opportunity to find success in European football once again, while the Italian club seeks to rise again with a fresh and dynamic style. The upcoming season will be crucial to assess the effectiveness of this alliance and the impact of the coach on the reconstruction of the Milanese giant.
AGORA PODE ACOMPANHAR O MUNDIAL DE FUTEBOL COM TODA INFORMAÇÃO – AQUI
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