Top News

USMNT forward Christian Pulisic has been warned by AC Milan great Ruud Gullit about potential challenges ahead under new manager Ruben Amorim, who has taken over at San Siro after a turbulent spell with Manchester United. Gullit believes the appointment could be “very dangerous” for Pulisic and other key players if Amorim repeats past mistakes from his time in England.

Amorim, who was dismissed by Manchester United in January, has quickly returned to management in Italy. The Portuguese coach built his reputation during a title-winning stint at Sporting Lisbon, where he was hailed as one of Europe’s brightest young managers. However, his tenure at Old Trafford failed to live up to expectations.

During his 14-month stay with the Red Devils, Amorim oversaw 61 matches, securing only 24 victories — a win rate of just 38.1 percent. As Manchester United slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table, club patience eventually ran out, especially as Amorim refused to deviate from his preferred 3-4-3 system. Now, Serie A giants AC Milan are giving him another chance to prove himself.

At Milan, Amorim inherits a squad brimming with attacking talent, including United States international Pulisic. The key question now is whether Amorim will adapt his tactics to suit his players or expect them to conform to his rigid system.

When asked about the situation, Ruud Gullit, speaking to GOAL, said: “Pulisic has been excellent for Milan. He’s rescued them several times with his individual brilliance, showing real quality. I hope Amorim finds a way to use him properly.”

Gullit went on to caution: “I’m always careful about these things. You need to start by analysing the players you have and then build your tactics around them. If you impose a system that the team isn’t familiar with, you risk damaging their confidence — that’s very dangerous.”

Amorim lasted just over a year at Manchester United before being dismissed, and Gullit doubts Milan will be any more patient. The Rossoneri previously parted ways with Massimiliano Allegri after a single season in 2025-26 due to missing out on Champions League qualification, and similar expectations will apply to Amorim.

Gullit added: “Nothing shocks me in football anymore. I’ve seen managers who haven’t done particularly well still land top jobs. What matters most to me is Milan returning to the level they belong at. Maintaining consistent excellence is very difficult, and patience is often in short supply. With more American owners coming into the game, we’re seeing new philosophies — and they don’t always fit.”

He continued: “The club should define the footballing philosophy, not the coach. The manager must adapt to the club’s identity and style of play. Look at Feyenoord — Arne Slot built a brilliant system, won trophies, and played attractive football. Then a new coach came in and switched to a three-man defence; it failed after just a few games and had to be changed again. You must respect the club’s identity.”

As for Pulisic, his future in Milan remains uncertain. Having scored 42 goals over three seasons, the 27-year-old has yet to sign a contract extension. With only one year left on his current deal — plus a 12-month option — and while currently representing the United States at the 2026 World Cup, Pulisic could opt for a new challenge. Milan may also choose to cash in while they can still command a strong transfer fee.