Manchester United’s recent transition took center stage as they welcomed their new manager, Ruben Amorim, who has already begun to implement changes since taking over. Amorim appeared on the scene following the departure of Erik ten Hag and immediately faced the challenge of revitalizing the team’s form and morale. His initial outing culminated in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town, and the Portuguese coach is optimistic yet realistic about the work required to shift the club’s current fortunes.
Despite the early setback, exchanging points with Ipswich Town, Amorim’s style was evident almost immediately. Implementing a 3-4-3 formation, he aimed to inject new life and tactical depth to the squad. This overhaul drew attention as players adjusted to fresh responsibilities, such as Amad Diallo, who was singled out for praise after showcasing significant growth, especially defensively, under Amorim’s guidance.
Just days after his arrival, Amorim was impressed by Diallo, noting, "I think he was very good. Since these three days, he improved so much defensively." Diallo’s role as right wing-back allowed him to thrive, directing his focus on tracking down Ipswich’s left-back rather than dividing his attention across multiple threats. Amorim’s candid assessment highlighted Diallo’s concentrated effort and adaptability, key to excelling under pressure.
During his first match, Amorim’s vision for United was put to the test. Marcus Rashford’s quick opener set the tone, but it wasn’t long before Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson leveled the match just before halftime, reminding United fans of the need for more consistency. Andrei Onana, tasked with command over United’s goal, displayed notable skill, ensuring Ipswich could not claim the win with his impressive saves.
Following this promising start marred by frustrating outcomes, Amorim is well aware of the obstacles facing him. He recognized the tactical weaknesses displayed by his players, indicating the necessity for continued training and adjustments to his methods. The manager stated, "We have to find a way. I think the only way to do it is we have games and the guys who don’t play have training.” With the busy December schedule looming, he intends to introduce player rotation to speed up the adoption of his philosophy.
The club’s current standing, hovering around mid-table, presents another layer of complexity for Amorim's ambitious plans. The season was already proving challenging for both players and supporters alike, as United had struggled to emulate past glories. Former United defender Gary Neville weighed in on the draw with Ipswich, emphasizing unflattering impressions of United’s tactical setup compared to Ipswich’s coordination. Neville remarked, "It’s like they had more appetite for the game and more enthusiasm,” hinting at the mental challenge Amorim must navigate to restore United's confidence.
With seven Premier League fixtures on the horizon, along with Europa League commitments and the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Amorim understands the urgency for results. "Without time, we have to find the time... some of the guys are going to play, some of the guys on the next day will work on our idea and then they will change the position," he added, emphasizing adaptability and the valuable nature of practice following match experiences.
One player who could benefit from this transformative approach is Joshua Zirkzee, whom Amorim believes must hone his instincts to penetrate the opponent’s box more efficiently. Following the match, Amorim pointed out key areas for Zirkzee to improve his game, saying, “At the end of the game we are around the box with two strikers, Josh has to understand he has to go to the box for the crosses.” The Benfica loanee’s improvement could signal the kind of promising changes Amorim desires for the overall squad.
The depth of change needed extends beyond mere physical presence on the field; Amorim’s challenge lies equally within the players’ psychological readiness to embrace his plan. With much work still necessary, Amorim has also highlighted the importance of communication among players, urging them to maintain awareness of their positions and responsibilities, something he sees as lacking during the match against Ipswich.
Ruben Amorim’s initial weeks at Manchester United have sparked fresh hope, tempered by the realities of the challenges firmly rooted within the club’s foundations. While fans are eager to see improvements on the pitch, it’s clear Amorim's approach aims to cultivate patience alongside performance. He is determined to instill higher standards among his players as they adapt to this transitional period. Amorim’s vision might take time to achieve, but his early acknowledgment of the work needed is undeniably refreshing, paving the way for what lies ahead for Manchester United.
Fans will be watching closely as Amorim attempts to meld talent with tactical nous, reshaping not just the team’s formation, but its identity within the league, all of which could prove pivotal as Manchester United seeks its rightful spot among the competition for titles.
