Manchester United players have reportedly given Ruben Amorim the nickname ‘Jose Mourinho 2.0’.
Amorim is preparing for his first game against Ipswich on Sunday after replacing Erik ten Hag in the dugout.
He has been working with the players in training since Monday following his arrival from Sporting Lisbon last week and there is much work to be done with United languishing in 13th in the standings.
United are hoping Amorim will be the man to bring them back to the heights of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The 39-year-0ld has reportedly told players that the club’s lack of success is because managers have not played in the spirit of Ferguson.
Up close with the boss 🔎♟️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 19, 2024
Ruben Amorim Given ‘Jose Mourinho 2.0’ Nickname
Manchester United players have been impressed by Ruben Amorim and given him the nickname ‘Jose Mourinho 2.0’.
The Special One was in charge in Manchester for just over two years but is the only man post-Ferguson to register 80 points in a season as he finished second in 2017-18.
United players have been ‘blown away’ by Amorim’s impact as per GMS.
A source told the newspaper: “He (Amorim) told them that top managers have not replicated Sir Alex’s success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than getting their team to play with his spirit. Even before Monday’s first session, the players have been very impressed.
“Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence.
“There’s definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self-belief – but the style is his own. The players think he’s very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0.”
Ruben Amorim Dismisses Jose Mourinho Comparisons
Despite the ‘Mourinho 2.0’ comparisons, Ruben Amorim has rejected any notions of being the new Jose.
His move to Manchester United has drawn parallels with Mourinho who also jumped from Portugal to English football in 2004.
Amorim was asked about the comparisons after Sporting beat Arsenal in the Europa League in March 2023.
The new Mourinho? ✨
Ruben Amorim revealed details of a text message from Jose Mourinho after @SportingCP knocked @Arsenal out of the Europa League last season 📲👀 pic.twitter.com/6E6BLs9sY5
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) April 9, 2024
“The new Mourinho? There will never be a new Mourinho,” Amorim dismissed.
“Mourinho is one of a kind. He’s already texted me: ‘The old and the new [Mourinho] are still in, I’ll see you in the next stage!’
“But there won’t be another Mourinho… The new Mourinho I won’t be, but I’m happy to carry on at Sporting’s project.”
Andre Villas-Boas was also given the ‘Mourinho 2.0’ nickname after switching from Porto to Chelsea.
However, Amorim will be hoping for similar success to that of Mourinho, rather than endure the struggles Villas-Boas went through as a Premier League manager.
