CBS Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes Ruben Amorim should have no trouble making an immediate impact on Manchester United’s poor form, with the real challenges lying down the road for the Portuguese.

Amorim’s appointment as the Red Devils’ new head coach was confirmed on Friday after Erik ten Hag was fired following a dismal start to the season. The Dutchman was given his marching orders in the aftermath of Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham, which left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

Amorim, 39, has enjoyed a trophy-ladened four years in charge of Sporting CP, winning two league titles and the Portuguese League Cup. But he will have to wait before taking the reins at Old Trafford due to a clause in his contract that requires him to serve a notice period.

He will remain in Lisbon for three more games before taking charge of United on Nov. 11. His first game follows the international break against Ipswich Town on Nov. 24.

Liverpool legend Carragher, a member of CBS’ Champions League coverage team, believes Carragher will emulate Ten Hag and other United managers in recent years by delivering a rapid upturn in performance. But the true test of his abilities will come down the line when he is tasked with making the club a bonafide contender for the Premier League title again.

Jamie Carragher speaking on Sky Sports

Carragher expects Amorim to improve United quickly ( 

Image:

Sky Sports)

“When he eventually arrives at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has a basic, instant remit; make Manchester United compete for honours again. That should not be especially daunting,” Carragher wrote in The Telegraph.

“With respect to all of them, leading United back to that level is not the greatest challenge in football for a competent coach. The resources are available, the home stadium ought to be one of the most difficult in the world to visit, and no matter how much the club are struggling, United will always be an attractive destination to top players for status, sporting, and financial reasons.

“[Louis] Van Gaal, [Jose] Mourinho, [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer, and Ten Hag excelled making the relatively easy first step of being much better than what immediately preceded them. It was the next step – the arduous challenge of creating a team capable of winning the Premier League – which was beyond them.”

United finished third in Ten Hag’s first year at Old Trafford, but they recorded their worst finish of the Premier League era last season, ending in eighth place. His predecessor, Solskjaer, followed a similar trajectory, leading United to a second-place finish in 2021 before overseeing an enormous collapse the following season and losing his job.

Amorim’s new club is in action on Sunday, hosting Chelsea at Old Trafford at 11.30 a.m. ET. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge until the Portuguese’s arrival.