Rio Ferdinand explains what Nani told him about Ruben Amorim, claims he will be direct upgrade on Erik ten Hag

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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been reacting to Ruben Amorim’s appointment as head coach.

Ruben Amorim has been confirmed as Manchester United’s new head coach. Note the job title; it is the first time the Red Devils have had a ‘head coach’ rather than simply a manager.

This history-making appointment also sees Amorim become the youngest Manchester United boss since the legendary Sir Matt Busby.

Amorim begins his role officially on November 11, after signing a contract to 2027 with an option for a further year.

Ruben Amorim qualities

At just 39-years-old, Ruben Amorim has achieved a lot as a coach already, winning two league titles with Sporting. This made him the first boss to win multiple titles with the club since 1953.

Amorim achieved a lot as a player too, winning three titles with Benfica, and played alongside former Manchester United winger Nani at international level.

Nani is still playing, featuring for Estrela Amadora, the team Amorim’s Sporting face off against on Friday night.

United legend Rio Ferdinand has been in touch with Nani, and speaking on his YouTube channel, about Amorim.

Ferdinand said: “I spoke to Nani a few days ago and he said to me: ‘Rio, the players play for him, they love him and respect him.

“He said that Ruben Amorim is a very direct person. What I have heard from people who have played with him and who are around him is that, as a human being, Amorim’s character and charisma will be the big difference to Ten Hag.”

Ruben Amorim ready for Manchester United

Ruben Amorim has communicated very directly in recent days about his move to Manchester United, even though he has been restricted in terms of what he can say.

Amorim has expressed clearly that he wants to challenge himself; his key reason for wanting to test himself at Old Trafford.

One area where Erik ten Hag struggled off the pitch, was his struggles with the media, often awkward in press conferences, whereas Amorim appears to be a more self-assured communicator in English.

Nani’s words illustrate how he is regarded behind the scenes, and Amorim’s ability to command the dressing room will be essential.

Commenting further, Ferdinand paid tribute to Amorim’s achievements in Portugal. “I think he changed the landscape for a football club, I don’t care what league you are in, that’s not easy to do.

“I think there’s going to be players in there thinking, this manager could change my fortunes at this football club.”