Amorim and Viana: Transformative Figures in Premier League Football

Rúben Amorim and Luís Viana achieved remarkable success in Portugal with Sporting CP. The duo was instrumental in bringing players like Viktor Gyokeres, Morten Hjulmand, and Pedro Porro to the club. Amorim garnered a reputation as one of the most exciting coaches in football, leading Sporting to the 2020-21 league title in his inaugural season. Viana’s strategic sales of key players, including Porro, Matheus Nunes, João Palhinha, Nuno Mendes, and Manuel Ugarte, generated over €200 million (£170 million) for the club. Following their accomplishments, both men transitioned to the Premier League; Amorim was appointed head coach of Manchester United in November 2024, while Viana succeeded Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Begiristain personally selected Viana as his successor at the Etihad Stadium, and the two collaborated for six months before Viana assumed his new role, as reported by BBC Sport. Viana’s close friendship with Amorim reportedly facilitated his quick acclimatization to Manchester. During their tenure, Viana and Begiristain worked on multiple transfers, successfully bringing in talents such as Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush. Since taking over, Viana has continued to enhance the squad, notably completing the transfer of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace for £20 million.

Upon finalizing the deal, Viana expressed his enthusiasm to the club’s media, stating, “It is clear Marc has been one of the best defenders in English football for quite some time now, so we are absolutely delighted to bring him to Manchester City. I feel we have signed a huge talent who will help us improve. He is only 25, but he has already shown he is a leader, a brilliant professional, and someone desperate to improve. He is strong, possesses exceptional defensive qualities, intelligently reads the game, and brings passion and energy every time he steps onto the pitch. I am so pleased it was us he chose to join. Marc is entering the prime years of his career. I am sure every City fan is excited to see how good he can be in a sky blue shirt.”

While Amorim departed Manchester United after just 14 months, Viana remains with Manchester City and is expected to have a busy summer ahead. With John Stones and Bernardo Silva set to be out of contract at the season’s end, and uncertainty surrounding Nathan Ake and loanees Manuel Akanji, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips, Viana’s task will be to secure quality replacements as City aims for silverware in 2026-27. Furthermore, changes in management may occur, with Pep Guardiola rumored to be leaving this summer. Manchester City is believed to have already compiled a shortlist of potential replacements, including Xabi Alonso, Enzo Maresca, and Cesc Fabregas.

Currently, Manchester City finds itself six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race and seeks to regain momentum this weekend, with Arsenal set to face Sunderland on Saturday, while City heads to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday.