Liverpool had one major reason for not hiring Ruben Amorim as manager in 2024

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Ruben Amorim was very much under consideration to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool in 2024.

The Reds were unexpectedly faced with the daunting task of finding a successor for Klopp when he announced his intention to leave after the 2023/24 season.

Having led Sporting to two Primeira Liga titles, Amorim emerged as a clear candidate for Liverpool after Xabi Alonso pulled out of the running.

Liverpool were even said to have interviewed Amorim, and at one stage the Portuguese looked destined to take to the dugout at Anfield.

However, the Reds ultimately chose not to move ahead with the process, and soon pivoted to Arne Slot, who became a Premier League champion in his first year on Merseyside. Meanwhile, Amorim initially stayed at Sporting, before moving on to Manchester United in November 2024.

Almost one year later, and the 40-year-old is under pressure at United following a dismal time in charge. As he prepares to face Liverpool once again on Sunday, it is worth revisiting why the Reds chose to overlook Amorim in favour of Slot.

Liverpool did not want Ruben Amorim’s tactical choices

During the spring of 2024, Amorim had looked a much likelier candidate than Slot to become the next Liverpool manager.

However, since Slot overtook him in the running and was appointed at Anfield, the two coaches careers have gone very differently.

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Ultimately, Liverpool’s choice ended up looking extremely wise, with Amorim struggling to get going at United.

One of the biggest points of debate during his time at Old Trafford has been Amorim’s insistence on using his favoured 3-4-3 formation.

As per a report from ESPN in April 2024, the reluctance of the former Portugal midfielder to be more flexible in his tactical approach is what cost him any chance of joining Liverpool.

The Reds were also said to have been slightly put off by the reported £10m fee it would have taken to free Amorim from his contract at Sporting.

However, it is claimed that this would have been ‘less of an issue’ had the manager been a better fit tactically. As it was, Amorim’s loyalty to his system is what truly led to Liverpool looking at other options.

Could Amorim have been successful at Liverpool?

It is easy to look at the direction of travel at Liverpool and Man United since last year as proof that Amorim would have been as poor at Anfield as he has been at Old Trafford.

But while that may most likely have been the case, it is not a certainty by any means.

Having led his team to two titles – and well on the way to a third – at Sporting, it is clear that Amorim has what it takes to be a top-level coach.

United are in a poor place almost across the board right now, but in a more stable surrounding at Liverpool, perhaps Amorim could have found the right conditions to thrive.

There will not be a Liverpool-leaning soul at Anfield on Sunday who would swap their boss for the one down the East Lancs Road, but there is a reason Amorim was on Liverpool’s list at all. He will hope to send a reminder of why this weekend.