Ruben Amorim is set to be at the helm of Manchester United as they prepare for their upcoming match against Ipswich Town. After overcoming visa delays, the Portuguese coach is ready to take charge of his first training session at Carrington, the club’s training ground, on Monday. It’s been quite the lead-up for Amorim, who has made it clear he aims to build a new identity for the team from the get-go.
The wait has been somewhat frustrating for Amorim, who is eager to instill his playing philosophy and managerial style among the players. Notably, several of his backroom staff from his time at Sporting Lisbon have already received their visas, enabling them to support Amorim during this transitional period. Among those joining him are Carlos Fernandes, Emanuel Ferro, Jorge Vital, and sports scientist Paulo Barreira, who are all geared up to contribute to United’s success.
But not everything has gone smoothly. While Amorim’s immediate staff is ready, the club is still waiting for one more visa approval. Adelio Candido, another coach from Amorim's Sporting Lisbon days, is on standby, though there’s optimism he’ll soon be cleared to join the team. This minor setback is not expected to derail Amorim’s plans significantly as he aims for results quickly.
The situation is complicated by the fact many of the club’s first-team players are away on international duty. Nonetheless, key figures like Casemiro, Mason Mount, Antony, and Marcus Rashford will be available early next week to work alongside Amorim. Adding to the concerns, Victor Lindelof suffered an injury during Sweden's recent match against Slovakia. Lindelof’s injury raises questions about his availability for Amorim’s first competitive match, potentially leaving the squad short on defenders.
Amorim is under pressure to shape Manchester United's future and aims to do so by establishing what he calls 'identity.' He understands the weight of expectations surrounding the club, and wants to shift the focus away from system formations, like the popular 3-4-3 or 4-3-3, emphasizing instead the character of the players and their connection to the club.
Addressing this during his introductory interview, Amorim noted, "It’s important because a lot of people now talk about the 3-4-3 and the 4-3-3 and all these formations. But when I think as a player or as a teammate of Manchester United, it is not just about the system, it’s about how the players perceive the club and each other. We have to focus more on those fundamental aspects."
This fresh approach signals potential change after Erik ten Hag's time where the identity of the team often seemed muddled and disconnected from the club’s rich history. Amorim aims not just for results but to build something substantial, something tangible the fans can rally behind. He stated, "The most important thing for me at this moment is to create the principles, the identity, and the character, things we had in the past.” His emphasis on building strong principles suggests he is not planning to make knee-jerk adjustments for the sake of immediate results.
Under Amorim’s leadership, the philosophy he wishes to establish aligns closely with what Ralf Rangnick once identified as necessary for Manchester United’s resurgence. Rangnick highlighted the importance of having clarity on how the team should play, reflecting on how clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool have succeeded by embedding their tactical philosophies throughout their squad.
While Amorim inherits notable challenges—including injuries and the need for greater cohesion among players—that hasn’t deterred him. His optimistic outlook, charismatic demeanor, and clear vision may very well resonate with the squad. There’s plenty of work to do, but Amorim’s firm resolve to restore United's identity could be the start of something special.
The showdown with Ipswich Town will be Amorim’s first test as the team’s head coach, and he is determined to make it count. With supporters yearning for a return to glory and identity, the coming weeks will be pivotal not just for Amorim’s personal ambitions but for the aspirations of Manchester United as they attempt to reclaim their place at the top of English football.
Moving forward, Amorim’s focus will also include the rehab process for players like Lisandro Martinez, who has also been out of action. Assessing others, including Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, and Luke Shaw, will play an important part as he shapes the squad. Given the challenges, the hope remains high for not just improvement but for nurturing emergent talents who can complement the squad’s experience.
Upholding the traditions of Manchester United, Amorim aims to blend the familiar with strategic innovations to bring United back on track. How well he achieves this will be closely monitored, not just by the fans but also by the football world at large. By sticking to his principles, Amorim believes he can carve out success at Old Trafford. The stage is set for what could be the dawn of a new era at Manchester United, and for Amorim, there’s no turning back now.
