Ruben Amorim sought to postpone his move to Manchester United, but after finally deciding to leave Sporting CP during the last season, he quickly got to work.
His first appearance at Carrington took place during a chilly November international break. While most of his players were away representing their countries, Amorim and his coaching team took the opportunity to provide a condensed training session for the remaining squad.
A key focus was to establish a system that was markedly different from the one used by his predecessor, Erik ten Hag.
“From day one, he was clear about his vision for how he wanted us to play,” recalled Evans. “He laid it all out for us.”
“When he joined, we were in the middle of an international break. He gathered the team and presented his ideas. Although many players were absent, he ensured they understood upon their return.”
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Monday marks a year since Amorim’s debut match as manager, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in November 2024, showcasing his initial game plan for United and the challenges he faced.
“Everything happened so quickly,” Amorim commented. “My first impression was that the Premier League environment felt vastly different, and I was eager to embrace it. I knew I’d encounter some challenges along the way.”
Before meeting the players, Amorim had reviewed enough footage to recognize that Ten Hag’s side struggled to regain possession frequently and lacked fitness. The first half at Portman Road highlighted the individual talent within the squad, with Amad Diallo, now playing as a wing-back, making a swift run up the right side to assist Marcus Rashford for an early goal.
Omari Hutchinson equalized just before halftime, demonstrating the issues Amorim had identified. After the match, he stated, “We need to strengthen our physical game. We must maintain possession better since we tend to concede the ball too easily. Our ability to recover needs to improve.”
A significant challenge was the limited two days of training to transition from Ten Hag’s 4-3-3 to Amorim’s 3-4-3 setup. Evans, who started against Ipswich, noted he frequently checked the sidelines to ensure his actions were correct. Diogo Dalot even mentioned that Amorim’s pre-match instructions were “very clear,” though it would take time for the players to translate them into practice.
In preparation for the Ipswich match, Amorim utilized the indoor pitch at Carrington’s academy building, which Ten Hag had primarily used for warm-ups. He was actively engaged in every session, regularly halting play to issue instructions and sometimes physically guiding players into position if necessary.
“He arrived during an international break, so time was limited,” Evans remarked. “Most players didn’t return until Thursday, with the game on Sunday, which left us with just a few training days.”
“The system was new, and we were just getting accustomed to it then. A few times publicly, he wanted us to be more aggressive. I would glance to the sideline, questioning if I was in the right position.”
Amorim mentioned that he felt the team was overthinking at times, leading to moments of confusion. “It was challenging for them. They were trying to adapt,” he said. “It wasn’t seamless, but that was expected given just two training sessions.”
“Things have evolved significantly. We used to push forward with the ball, and now we emphasize defensive responsibility. It’s tough for players to shift their mindset in just three days.”
“Next year, we might encounter similar issues at the same phase. However, we start now, take some risks, endure some setbacks, but in a year, we’ll be stronger.”
1:28
Gav and Jules evaluate Ruben Amorim’s inaugural year at Manchester United
Gabe Marcotti and Julian Lawrence reflect on Amorim’s first twelve months in charge.
Despite the challenges faced in the match against Ipswich last year, the issues did not resolve easily, resulting in a 15th place finish in the Premier League. However, as they prepare for Everton’s visit to Old Trafford on Monday, there’s a sense of progress, as Amorim asserts.
Only six players who started against Ipswich remain with the club, a testament to the changes he has made in the past year. New signings, particularly Brian Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, have significantly contributed to United’s growth, with their system beginning to look less chaotic and more coordinated.
Initially, Amorim expressed a strong desire to commence work in the summer, but now he appreciates the early start, as it allows for a fresh beginning this season—an emphasis he highlighted during the preseason tour in the United States.
His pre-season training included intense tactical sessions, alongside team bonding trips in cities like Chicago, New York, and Atlanta. This build-up continued from before the Ipswich match, where Amorim moved to replace small circular tables with two longer tables for players and staff, aiming to encourage more interaction among teammates.
Amorim prefers addressing the team as a whole, limiting one-on-one conversations to foster a better group dynamic. Even this is delivered with intention.
After the match against Ipswich, there was no immediate debriefing, and a similar approach is likely after Monday’s game against Everton, as Amorim prefers to let emotions settle before meeting with players. This doesn’t mean players are exempt from feedback; last season certainly saw heated discussions at Carrington during less favorable moments.
The atmosphere has since shifted. Heading into the match against Everton, Amorim rides a five-game unbeaten streak, recognizing that overcoming last season’s brief crises is crucial for a solid head start at Old Trafford.
“There’s a clear indication that the team has evolved, but what’s vital is that recent games don’t overshadow our starting point (against Ipswich),” Amorim commented. “We endured a lot last year, and we need to approach each game as if it’s our last.”
“However, I do expect a team against Everton that possesses better control, displays dominant play, and, most importantly, is more competitive in every aspect.”
A year after his debut match, Amorim hopes Manchester United is on the brink of reclaiming its place among the elite once again.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer fans as it showcases a significant transformation within a historic club, Manchester United. Amorim’s tactics and commitment to rebuilding could signal a revival of United’s dominance in the Premier League, capturing the attention and hope of supporters everywhere.
