Welcome here Manchester United and sports lovers worldwide as we make comparative analysis of the outgone Manchester united Coach Erik Ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
This amazing analysis was done by @DrBishop…. Enjoy!!!! 🍿
“Rúben Amorim is set to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. But what’s the difference between him and ETH prior to his arrival at Old Trafford? What can he offer differently from ETH.
Both of them are highly regarded football managers, have distinct styles and philosophies, making each of them exceptional in their own right.
Before Ten Hag took charge at Manchester United, he was recognized for his transformative work with Ajax, while Amorim was already shaping his own legacy at Sporting CP.
This thread takes a comparative look at their styles, achievements, and overall approach to football management.
1. Style of Play
• Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag’s hallmark at Ajax was a high-tempo, possession-based style heavily influenced by the club’s traditional “Total Football” philosophy. He emphasized fluid movement, quick transitions, and positional flexibility. His Ajax teams often played a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation, with players interchanging positions to maintain control of the game. Ten Hag’s sides also displayed aggressive pressing, ensuring that opponents rarely had time on the ball, particularly effective in counter-pressing situations. His methods proved especially effective in European competitions, where Ajax made a deep run in the 2018-19 Champions League, notably eliminating Real Madrid and Juventus.
READ ALSO : Manchester United Sack Eric Ten Hag
• Rúben Amorim
Amorim’s style, on the other hand, is characterized by a dynamic 3-4-3 formation with an emphasis on verticality and quick, attacking transitions. At Sporting CP, he crafted a system focused on solid defensive structure and rapid counter-attacks, making his team difficult to break down. Unlike Ten Hag’s emphasis on possession, Amorim’s Sporting side aims to strike quickly, utilizing wing-backs for width and midfielders for tactical versatility. Amorim’s approach showcases a more pragmatic edge, prioritizing defensive solidity alongside efficient use of opportunities in attack.
2. Achievements and Trophies
• Erik ten Hag
At Ajax, Ten Hag achieved tremendous success domestically and attracted attention internationally. He led Ajax to two Eredivisie titles (2018-19 and 2020-21) and two KNVB Cups (2018-19 and 2020-21), showcasing his ability to blend young talent with experienced players. His European campaign with Ajax in 2018-19 was particularly notable, as Ajax reached the Champions League semi-finals and impressed fans worldwide with their bold, attacking play and their memorable performances against powerhouses like Real Madrid and Juventus. His success in Europe helped solidify his reputation as one of the most promising managers in modern football.
• Rúben Amorim
Amorim’s accomplishments with Sporting CP are remarkable, especially considering his relatively short tenure in top-flight management. He led Sporting to their first Primeira Liga title in 19 years during the 2020-21 season, a massive achievement that broke the dominance of Porto and Benfica in Portuguese football. He won it again last season 2023/2024 in a very fantastic way.
Additionally, Amorim has also secured two Taça da Liga titles (2020-21 and 2021-22), proving his tactical acumen in knockout tournaments. Amorim’s success in revitalizing Sporting has made him one of the most exciting young managers in Europe, recognized for his ability to deliver under pressure and develop young talents within his system.
3. Youth Development
• Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag’s time at Ajax coincided with a golden era of youth development, and he played a significant role in nurturing emerging talents such as Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, and Donny van de Beek. His willingness to trust young players in high-stakes situations aligned with Ajax’s philosophy of promoting academy talents. Ten Hag’s coaching emphasized the importance of technical skill, adaptability, and tactical intelligence, which helped these players thrive in his system and earn big moves to top European clubs.
• Rúben Amorim
Although Sporting CP has a long tradition of producing young talents, Amorim took youth development to new heights. He integrated numerous young players into the first team, including Manuel Ugarte (who is now in Man United), Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Inácio, and Matheus Nunes. Amorim’s approach is notable for providing young players with immediate responsibility within his tactical framework, building their confidence while ensuring they understand their roles. His success with youth has further cemented Sporting’s reputation as a talent factory and strengthened his own profile as a manager who can shape young players into top-level professionals.
4. Adaptability and Tactical Flexibility
• Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag’s flexibility allowed him to adapt Ajax’s playstyle depending on the opponent, with the ability to shift from a high-pressing approach to a more cautious setup when necessary. This adaptability was crucial in Europe, where Ajax faced diverse styles of play and tactical challenges. Ten Hag demonstrated the ability to make in-game adjustments to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, which was key to Ajax’s Champions League successes. However, he generally remained committed to an attacking philosophy rooted in Dutch football.
• Rúben Amorim
Amorim’s adaptability is visible in his willingness to tweak his 3-4-3 system based on match situations. At Sporting, he often adjusts his team’s positioning and pace, especially against more attacking teams. While Amorim remains consistent with his defensive structure, his pragmatic edge means that he can vary Sporting’s play between possession-based tactics and rapid counter-attacks. This tactical malleability has helped Sporting achieve success in Portugal and compete effectively in European competitions.
5. Legacy and Impact
• Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag’s legacy at Ajax is that of a manager who restored the club’s European credibility while maintaining domestic dominance. He reinvigorated the club’s traditional values, combining youth development with attacking football to craft one of Ajax’s most successful periods in recent history. His work at Ajax set a blueprint for how a smaller European club could compete on the biggest stage through a cohesive philosophy and tactical bravery.
• Rúben Amorim
Amorim’s impact at Sporting CP has been transformative, rejuvenating a club that had struggled to compete with Porto and Benfica. By bringing a fresh tactical approach and nurturing a new generation of players, Amorim ended a nearly two-decade title drought and restored Sporting’s status in Portuguese football. His work has made him one of the most promising young managers in Europe and has reinforced Sporting’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
Portuguese coaches have generally done well in the EPL unlike Dutch coaches. So maybe that could be a good omen for @ManUtd
– @DrBishop