Remember when Ruben Amorim was touted for Liverpool? Fast forward, and he’s navigating a rocky patch at Old Trafford while Arne Slot is making history at Anfield. What if things had gone differently? This story reveals the pivotal decision that shaped two giants’ destinies.

The trajectory of two of England’s most storied football clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, has been dramatically reshaped by a single pivotal managerial decision, underscoring the fine margins between triumph and tribulation in the high-stakes world of the Premier League.

Initially, it was widely acknowledged that Liverpool’s hierarchy had a keen eye on Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim as a potential successor for their legendary manager. However, after careful consideration, the Anfield club ultimately opted for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, a choice that has since sent both clubs on divergent paths.

The reasons behind Liverpool’s preference for the Dutch tactician over his Portuguese counterpart were multifaceted, with significant concerns reportedly arising around Amorim’s perceived inflexible playing style. This tactical rigidity was a notable sticking point for Anfield officials, who prioritize adaptability within their squad.

Amorim’s signature approach, which is known to fluidly transition between a 4-2-4 in attack, a 5-2-3 defensively, and a 3-2-5 in possession, forms the bedrock of his managerial philosophy. In contrast, Slot had already successfully embedded a four-man defensive system within his Eredivisie winning strategy, aligning more closely with Liverpool’s existing squad composition and strategic vision.

Despite these well-documented apprehensions from their rivals, Manchester United proceeded with the appointment of Amorim, seemingly accepting the challenges associated with implementing his preferred three-man defensive structure, a choice that has become increasingly scrutinized as the season progressed.

The subsequent 2025/2026 season has witnessed a stark divergence in fortunes: Arne Slot has rapidly ascended to legendary status at Anfield, guiding Liverpool to a dominant Premier League title. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has plunged to new lows, marked by a disappointing 15th-place finish and a crushing cup final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

Once celebrated for securing two Primeira Liga titles with Sporting in 2022 and 2024, Amorim’s reputation as a football manager has suffered considerably. His win rate at United stands at a dismal 35.6% across 45 matches, a stark contrast to his impressive 71% success rate at Sporting, and notably lower than Erik Ten Hag’s 56% at the time of his departure.

The conspicuous lack of on-field progress, coupled with growing criticism from former Manchester United stars regarding his methods and the team’s performance, has left the Portuguese boss in an increasingly precarious position barely nine months into his role.

Conversely, Liverpool, under the astute leadership of Arne Slot, is currently preparing for an early-season title showdown against Arsenal, boasting a flawless record of two wins from two games, a testament to the club’s shrewd managerial decisions and their immediate positive impact on the Premier League landscape.