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Ruben Amorim describes his new role at AC Milan as an even "bigger challenge" than the one he faced at Manchester United, which came to an unsuccessful and sudden end in January 2026.
Amorim was among the latest managers entrusted with returning Manchester United to their former glory, but oversaw a 15th-place Premier League finish in his debut season—the club's worst in the Premier League era and a 51-year nadir overall.
The Portuguese coach was given the benefit of the doubt at that point as he worked to implement a sweeping tactical overhaul that ultimately fell short. Despite some signs of progress by the midpoint of 2025–26, persistent inconsistency remained, and Amorim eventually departed following a reported falling-out with sporting director Jason Wilcox over tactical philosophy that left their working relationship irreparably damaged.
Six months on, Amorim was handpicked by Milan to spearhead a new era for the club, following a wholesale reset at the close of 2025–26. The Rossoneri had dismissed former manager Massimiliano Allegri after the club was edged out of Champions League qualification by Como on the final day of Serie A, capping a dramatic collapse after they had been in title contention as recently as February.
Milan also parted ways with the chief executive, sporting director, and technical director for what was described as "unequivocal failure." Massimo Calvelli was named the new CEO in late June, though replacements for the other two positions may not be forthcoming amid reported plans to restructure internally.
AC Milan Start Brand New Chapter With Amorim in Charge
"I am genuinely very happy to be here. It is an honor to serve as Milan's coach. If you look back at an old interview of mine, I said this is a club that holds a special place for me," Amorim told reporters outside Milan Linate Airport upon his arrival in the city, ahead of officially beginning his duties.
"It's a big challenge," he added. "After the last time [at Manchester United], I told myself to seek out less demanding roles, yet here I am, taking on an even greater challenge.
"But I am proud to be here; now I want to work alongside my staff and my players ... I am truly glad to be here. Am I here to win? You cannot arrive at Milan without that mindset. There is a great deal of work ahead, but if you are the Milan coach, you must play to win."
His return to management after just a brief spell away from the game also benefits Manchester United financially, limiting the total compensation owed to the Portuguese coach and his backroom team.
Big Expectations Await Amorim in Milan
AC Milan were once a benchmark for excellence in both Italian and European football, but that standing has long since faded. Yet the weight of expectation remains unchanged.
Since 2004, Milan have claimed Serie A just twice. Over that same stretch, Juventus have lifted nine titles—excluding two stripped due to the calciopoli scandal—while city rivals Inter have also amassed eight championships.
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The Rossoneri last lifted the Champions League trophy in 2006–07, at which point their six European titles trailed Real Madrid's tally of nine by just three. Los Blancos have since surged to 15, while Milan's best showing over the past 19 years amounts to a solitary semifinal appearance in 2022–23.
Both the club hierarchy and supporters will expect a swift return to competitiveness on the domestic and continental stage, though they will have to settle for Europa League football in the upcoming campaign.