Liverpool's reasons for snubbing Ruben Amorim vindicated further as Man Utd hit new low

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is fast becoming an icon at Anfield(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Success in football can often hinge on a sliding doors moment, and it appears Liverpool's choice to appoint Arne Slot instead of Ruben Amorim was as crucial as any in their recent history.

The pair's contrasting fortunes ever since coming to the Premier League couldn't be more stark.

Following the shock announcement in January 2024 that Jurgen Klopp would leave the Reds at the conclusion of that season, all attention turned to his successor.



It was no secret that Liverpool's top brass were interested in then-Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim to take up the mantle at Anfield.

However, Liverpool chose Feyenoord boss Slot, while United eventually secured Amorim in November 2024 after giving Erik ten Hag the boot.

However, Liverpool felt they lacked the players to effectively implement a three-man defence, while Slot was already committed to a four-man backline due to his successful 4-2-4 strategy in the Eredivisie.

Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim have had mixed fortunes since coming to England(Image: DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Recruiting Amorim would have been an expensive venture for the Reds, necessitating a complete revamp of Liverpool's proven formation to fulfil Amorim's vision.

Fast forward to the 2025/2026 season, Slot is rapidly becoming a legend at Anfield and Liverpool are the reigning Premier League champions.

Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager(Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, United are grappling with another crisis after the Red Devils were unceremoniously knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round by League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.

Amorim's once soaring reputation, built on two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting in 2022 and 2024 and four domestic cups, seems to be at an all time low after he guided United to a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League last season and saw his team lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur in May.

Having secured just 16 victories for United out of 45 matches, his win rate stands at a meagre 35.6%.

For comparison, his rate at Sporting was 71%, while the man dismissed for Amorim – Ten Hag – had a success rate of 56% at United upon his sacking.

Ruben Amorim has endured a disastrous start to the season with Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)

It's not as if there hasn't been funds available to Amorim for him to mould United into his own vision.