The Portuguese coach is set to sign a contract until summer 2028, with an extension clause for an additional year until 2029. Final procedures are expected to be completed within hours, paving the way for Amorim to replace Max Allegri.

Amorim will receive a salary of approximately 3,5 million euro (4,1 million USD) per season, excluding performance-related bonuses, including a Champions League spot. This is a key objective for Milan, as the team failed to secure qualification for Europe's most prestigious competition next season.

Coach Ruben Amorim directs during Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Fulham in Premier League round 23 at Craven Cottage, London on 26/1. Photo: AP

Milan began its search for a new head coach in late 5, following its parting of ways with Allegri. The Italian coach only stayed for one year and failed to improve the team's performance. The past season was a complete failure for the San Siro-based club.

Beyond the coaching change, Milan also underwent an extensive overhaul in its upper management. On the same day Allegri departed, the club also terminated cooperation with sporting director Igli Tare, technical director Geoffrey Moncada, and chief executive officer Giorgio Furlani. This contributed to the search for a new leader lasting longer than anticipated.

Before selecting Amorim, Milan had contacted several candidates. Former Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick was targeted for the sporting director position. If Rangnick had accepted the offer, he reportedly intended to bring Oliver Glasner as head coach. However, negotiations between Milan and Rangnick broke down. The German coach then extended his contract with the Austrian national team, making the Glasner option no longer viable.

Milan's list of candidates also included Mauricio Pochettino, Arne Slot, Sebastian Hoeness, and Andoni Iraola. After weeks of consideration, the club's management decided to place its trust in Amorim, who had not taken on a new role since being sacked by Manchester United in 1/2026.

Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in late 2024 with high expectations following his success with Sporting Lisbon. However, his time in England lasted only 14 months. Poor performance led the "Red Devils" to terminate his contract midway through the 2025-2026 season. Michael Carrick took over, guiding the team to a third-place finish in the Premier League, and the English coach was subsequently signed to a long-term contract.

In a financial report published in 2/2026, Manchester United stated it might have to pay up to 15,9 million GBP (21,4 million USD) in compensation to Amorim and his staff, including Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro, and Jorge Vital. However, this expense is expected to decrease significantly if the 41-year-old coach officially takes the job at Milan.

Despite not achieving desired results at Manchester United, Amorim was recognized for his efforts to address long-standing issues within the dressing room. He also remained committed to the 3-4-2-1 formation that had brought him success at Sporting. However, this tactical system caused much debate as Manchester United players struggled to adapt, contributing to a string of disappointing results.

Amorim's final weeks at Old Trafford were also not smooth. English media reported tensions between him and director of football Jason Wilcox before his dismissal.