Ruben Amorim Manchester United truth laid bare amid lazy Erik ten Hag comparison

Ruben Amorim's appointment at Manchester United has inevitably led to negative comparisons from those wanting him to fail.

'Ten Hag 2.0' has been one such trope on the basis that he won league titles in a lesser league, is supposedly a disciplinarian, and wants his teams to play attractive football. Amorim is destined to end up like the beleaguered Dutchman who left United 14th in the table after their lowest-ever Premier League finish.

All the evidence over the past decade suggests that he could struggle and be sacked after at least two seasons. No United team since the last one under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 has challenged for a league title, with bad signings and dressing room friction contributing to United's dramatic decline.

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But there are hints that Amorim may be the right man. Firstly, he speaks fluent English, having completed some of his Uefa coaching qualifications in Belfast.

One of Ten Hag's problems was that his communication in press conferences and interviews often sounded clumsy. The former Ajax boss was by no means someone who struggled to speak English, but what he said was often difficult to follow, and that leads to the next point.

Amorim has been described as charismatic, a great motivator akin to a young Jose Mourinho. Ten Hag, whilst a decent person, did not radiate personality, and that must have been an issue when giving speeches in the dressing room.

Age is another factor, with Amorim 15 years younger than his predecessor and likely to better connect with some of United's younger players. Almost all of the Reds' previous managers have been well into their 50s, which in managerial terms may indicate experience but also decline.

Another crucial difference is the clubs both Amorim and Ten Hag were at when they were appointed. Amorim's Sporting team has been nowhere near as dominant in Portugal as Ajax in the Eredivisie.

Ending a club's 19-year league title drought is much more impressive than winning titles at a club that is used to it. Amorim built Sporting in his image, and his impact will be sorely missed when he leaves.

This is not to say that he will be a resounding success at Old Trafford, and United have found their answer to Manchester City's Pep Guardiola. But there is enough evidence in Amorim's career so far to suggest that with time, patience, and financial backing, he could give them a clear style of play whilst competing for the game's biggest trophies - something they have so badly missed.