The dawn of a new era

AMORIM: NEW MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER FACES A DAUNTING TASK

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Manchester United's new era started on Monday night when Ruben Amorim jetted into town to start the daunting task of restoring the club to former glories.

The Portuguese coach bid farewell to Sporting Lisbon in style on Sunday, securing a thrilling 4-2 comeback win at his former club Braga - an 11th victory in 11 league games.

The mood in Manchester has been lifted by three wins in four matches in all competitions since interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy took over from the sacked Erik ten Hag.

But Amorim will be under no illusions as to the scale of his task at United, who are languishing 13th in the Premier League table after just four wins in 11 matches.

United announced his arrival at their training base on Monday afternoon, confirming shortly afterwards that Van Nistelrooy had left the club.

AFP Sport looks at the challenges that Amorim faces.

Change the script Manchester United have been crowned English champions a record 20 times but they have failed even to compete for the Premier League or Champions League titles since Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013.

Amorim, a 39-year-old former Portugal international, is United's sixth permanent appointment since the end of Ferguson's trophy-filled 27-year-reign.