SPORTING PROWESS

Amorim success shows he could become the 'new' special one

- DAVID MCDONNELL

WITH Manchester United closing in on the appointment of Ruben Amorim, the big question is how the team could look under the new man in charge at Old Trafford.

United are locked in talks with the Sporting Lisbon coach, having identified the 39-year-old as the coach to haul them out of their crisis and set them on the path back to the top.

Just like at Sporting, where he has won two league titles, Amorim's task at United will be to resurrect a fallen giant and a team mired in mediocrity, taking a group of players low on confidence and form, and instilling in them belief and a winning mentality.

So what can United and their fans expect from Amorim if the Portuguese becomes the sixth permanent manager to take his place in the Old Trafford dugout since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013? Amorim is wedded to a 3-4-3 formation and it seems inconceivable a move to the Premier League would see him shift from the philosophy and system that has served him so well in his native Portugal.