Ruben Amorim's arrival as the new manager of Manchester United has ignited hope among fans and pundits alike, with many wondering if he can restore the club to its former glory. Appointed as the sixth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Amorim steps onto the stage following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, having joined from Sporting Lisbon for £11 million. This hefty price tag highlights the club's commitment to finding the right fit amid turbulent recent seasons.
His initial two games as the head coach, featuring a draw against Ipswich Town and a victory over Bodo/Glimt, showcased Amorim's immediate influence on the squad. The true test, though, is looming on the horizon as he prepares for his first Premier League match against Everton. Scheduled for Sunday, this game could set the tone for his tenure at Old Trafford.
During interviews, Amorim conveyed his emotional approach to coaching, stating, "If you are not emotional, you cannot have a connection." He believes building relationships with his players is integral to both his coaching philosophy and success on the pitch. The Latin influence on his character fosters such emotional connections, and he maintains it is key to engaging not just with players but with supporters as well.
Looking back, Amorim's playing career was marred by injuries, limiting his time on the pitch. Nevertheless, it provided him with the opportunity to learn the tactical side of the game deeply. "I played all positions," he reflected, acknowledging this experience as foundational to his growth as a coach. Now, he aims to apply this knowledge creatively as he molds the team’s formation and tactics.
His distinctive style has already garnered comparisons to previous United greats. Dubbed "the second Special One" by those familiar with his work, Amorim’s approach blends tactical astuteness with a deep-seated passion for the sport. This balance is pivotal, especially as he implements his preferred tactical setup, likely to revolve around deploying three at the back—a strategy he has used with great success at Sporting.
While some critics viewed his methods as unorthodox, his aims for player fitness and squad rotation reflect his pragmatic nature. Following the Europa League fixture against Bodo, where Amorim fielded six new players, he intends to rotate, keeping squad morale high, yet is firm on the expectation of performance: "We have to win," Amorim declared, adding there are "no excuses" for anything less against Everton.
The upcoming match has stirred considerable interest, not least because of Amorim's focus on ensuring his players are fit and ready. He has carved out specific training regimens for those who participated heavily during the week, advocating for lighter sessions for these individuals, viewing recovery as equally important as the game itself. He tactfully acknowledged the need for strategic player management, particularly with the club facing a grueling December schedule packed with nine matches.
Despite the pressure of expectations at an iconic club like Manchester United, Amorim exudes confidence. "Maybe it's destiny and I will be lucky at first," he shared, exuding determination and optimism as he embraced the challenges inherent to the role. Having told reporters about his laid-back demeanor and resilience, he noted, "No matter what, I will be okay." This relaxed attitude may be pivotal as the pressure mounts, particularly if results falter initially.
Talk about Amorim's childhood and upbringing reveals much about his emotional depth and resilience. Growing up with a strong family influence, he knows the power of trust and loyalty—qualities he aims to instill within the squad. When asked about the emotional intelligence he employs as part of his coaching toolkit, he candidly admitted to seeking advice from professionals throughout his own career as he prepared for this next chapter.
Fans have already begun speculating about how Amorim’s tactical style will affect the young talents at the club, particularly striker Rasmus Højlund. His performance could heavily influence Amorim's standing with both management and supporters. There are murmurs of excitement about how Højlund might thrive under Amorim's guidance with specific tactical roles suited to his skill set, with Amorim highlighting the importance of tailoring approaches to fit individual players.
Previously, Amorim faced heightened anxiety during his first match at the helm. Still, he emerged victorious, noting the match felt particularly special. "It was filled with tension, but thankfully we secured the win. It’s just what we needed to start this new chapter," he remarked, encapsulating the balance of nerves and joy characteristic of football management.
Notably, Amorim's use of video analysis, normally considered premium coaching practice, has led him to rethink how it's best integrated. His humorous dismissal of lengthy video sessions because of player concentration lapses displays his pragmatic approach to coaching. Instead, shorter sessions and practical applications will form part of his strategy going forward, emphasizing manageable and relevant training.
Preparation for the Everton match is already underway, mixing elements of relaxation and immersive tactical engagement. Amorim's unique plan, which includes maintaining fitness and fostering tight bonds among staff members, might just be the recipe for restoring pride back at Old Trafford. The stakes are high as he embarks on this new adventure, but Amorim appears ready to answer the call.
While the football community watches anxiously, each match could hold valuable lessons not just for Amorim, but for the team's future. Will he be the figure to reclaim Manchester United’s past glory, or will the pressures of expectation overshadow his early accomplishments? Time will tell, as all eyes turn to the matchup against Everton this weekend. Every fan, expert, and player will be watching to see if Amorim can navigate this high-stakes environment with the poise and skill he promises to deliver.
