Frank Christian
The moment has arrived: Ruben Amorim is now the head coach at Manchester United. He has laid out his initial plans for the squad and held his first pre-match press conference on Friday.
His debut match takes place this Sunday, as the Red Devils face newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Here’s a summary of Amorim’s remarks from the press briefing:
Is the United role as significant as it appears?
Amorim acknowledged the question, saying, “Yes, it’s even greater.” He noted the complexity of the different departments within the club compared to Sporting, which is large in Portugal. “This is a global organization, and it’s about more than just coaching; I have plenty of support and meetings, and I’m learning.” He expressed his contentment, stating, “I feel very happy, comfortable, and at home.”
Can Amorim lead Man United to a league title?
“I’m a bit of a dreamer, and I have faith in myself and the club. We align in our vision and that will help. I have confidence in the players, too,” he shared. Amorim believes there’s room for improvement and intends to introduce new strategies, asserting, “While some may doubt, I believe it’s achievable. We’ll see where we end up.”
What areas need improvement at United?
Amorim stated, “It’s not about fixing; it’s about growing as a team. We need to enhance many aspects, especially game understanding, as we adapt mid-season.” He emphasized the necessity to elevate the team’s physical condition and added, “I won’t claim that I need lots of time because at Manchester United, winning is paramount. It’s a highly competitive league and we must improve significantly to gain victories and titles.”
Will Amorim implement major changes at Man United?
According to Amorim, “It’s not a revolution. The fundamentals of football remain the same regardless of formations. What we’re aiming for is a different style of play, but it is more about change than evolution or revolution.”
Amorim shares Mourinho’s message
He revealed, “Mourinho reached out to me, praising the club for its welcoming nature. He’s right about that. However, much has changed; we’re moving into a new phase. I am a different person and hope to impart my knowledge to my players. This club remains significant and is the best in England, and our goal is to fight for victory.”
Current weaknesses of Manchester United
Amorim noted, “When discussing the team’s performance, it’s clear we often lose possession and need to improve our recovery efforts. It’s all about the details; rather than making grand changes, it’s the small aspects where improvement can be made. I believe I can assist the players in these areas.”
Player recruitment strategy
Regarding recruitment, Amorim stated, “It should be a collective effort. A coach who picks players without collaboration risks making errors. Recruitment processes should be prioritized, focusing on player data and profiles. As the coach, I must take a strong stance, but ultimately the manager should have the final say due to the accountability that comes with that position. Understanding the league is essential, and when everyone collaborates effectively, we can make player transactions.”
Is Manchester United ‘the impossible job’?
Amorim reflected, “The true challenges will reveal themselves over the coming months. There have been various coaches here, from those who won titles like Van Gaal and Mourinho to others who deeply understood the club like Solskjaer. We need to recognize that time is required. Every coach needs time, and our priority is to secure victories.” He concluded, “Despite different coaches yielding similar outcomes, we’ll strive for success in our unique manner, embracing the INEOS approach alongside my vision.”
