Just six months after being shown the door at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim is on the verge of stepping into one of the most pressurized jobs in European soccer. AC Milan has zeroed in on the 41-year-old Portuguese manager as its top choice to replace Massimiliano Allegri, according to multiple reports from Italian and Portuguese outlets.
The offer on the table, per Corriere dello Sport and A Bola, is a two-year contract worth between €3 million and €4 million per season — roughly €3.5 million annually, with an option for a third year. That places Amorim squarely in the middle tier of Serie A coaching salaries, a notable rollback from the expectations that came with his appointment at Manchester United in November 2024.
Amorim lasted just 14 months at United before being sacked on January 5, 2026. His tenure featured early tactical promise but ultimately collapsed under the weight of inconsistent results and reported friction with senior players. Now, Milan is betting that a return to Italy — where Amorim has no prior coaching experience — can revive a career that once made him one of the most sought-after young managers in the world.
Why Milan Changed Course
The Rossoneri had previously held talks with former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and current USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino. But according to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and The Athletic, those conversations stalled as Milan’s hierarchy grew convinced that Amorim’s tactical flexibility and track record of developing young players fit the club’s long-term identity.
Milan finished sixth in Serie A this past season under Allegri, missing Champions League qualification and sparking a thorough review of the coaching staff. Allegri, who had returned for a second stint in 2024, was unable to replicate the pragmatic success of his first tenure. The club is now prioritizing a manager who can implement a more modern, high-pressing system — a profile that aligns with Amorim’s work at Sporting CP before he moved to England.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
If finalized, the move represents a significant gamble for both sides. For Milan, hiring a manager recently fired from a Premier League job carries obvious risk. For Amorim, taking over a fallen giant in a league known for tactical rigor offers a chance to rebuild his reputation — but the leash will be short. San Siro has little patience for a second rebuild.
The club has not confirmed any agreement, and sources close to the negotiations caution that details remain fluid. But with preseason preparations set to begin in July, Milan is expected to move quickly to lock down its next leader.
Whether Amorim can translate his Portuguese success into Italian silverware remains the open question. For now, Milan is betting that his best coaching days are still ahead of him — even if his last job ended in disappointment.
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