Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United brought high expectations, with fans hopeful the Portuguese manager could rejuvenate the struggling club.
However, reports suggest Amorim has encountered significant challenges in his first week at Carrington, highlighting the scale of the task ahead.
A Staggering Reality Check for Amorim
Amorim’s success at Sporting CP, where he claimed two Primeira Liga titles in four years, marked him as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches. Yet, stepping into the Old Trafford hot seat has proven to be a baptism of fire. According to a report from The Sun, Amorim was “stunned” by the squad’s lack of speed and intensity during his initial training sessions.
Accustomed to high-energy performances and tactical discipline, the 39-year-old reportedly spent much of his first week urging players to increase the tempo. This realization underscores the significant rebuild required to transform Manchester United into a team capable of competing at the highest level.
A Squad Lacking Identity and Adaptability
Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, which delivered success in Portugal, will require significant adaptation at Manchester United. The system’s reliance on dynamic wing-backs has exposed a glaring issue in the squad’s current composition. Critics, including Jamie Carragher, have questioned whether United possess the personnel to execute Amorim’s tactics effectively.
Carragher, speaking on The Overlap US, noted the lack of natural fits for wing-back roles within United’s squad. “This isn’t a team built for a back three,” he remarked, pointing out the challenges Amorim will face in transitioning from Erik ten Hag’s back four approach.
A Demanding Rebuild on the Horizon
Beyond tactical adjustments, Amorim inherits a team in desperate need of physical and mental rejuvenation. Reports suggest the manager was frequently forced to pause training sessions to demand greater urgency and effort from his players. This lack of intensity not only reflects poorly on the squad’s current state but also raises questions about the fitness and mentality of key players.
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Transfer Market Solutions in Sight?
To address these issues, Manchester United are already being linked with reinforcements in key positions. The club’s pursuit of Alphonso Davies, as reported by Christian Falk, is a clear indication of their intent to bolster the wing-back roles crucial to Amorim’s system. While Davies would bring world-class quality, his availability hinges on Bayern Munich’s willingness to sell and United’s ability to outbid competitors.
Should a move for Davies fail, United have reportedly identified Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as an alternative. The Hungarian full-back has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but United may find it challenging to secure his signature without swift action.
Pedro Porro: A Familiar Face for Amorim?
Another intriguing option is Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, a player Amorim knows well from their time together at Sporting. Porro’s attacking prowess and defensive versatility make him an ideal candidate for the right wing-back role. However, with Tottenham valuing the Spaniard at €70 million, United face a significant financial hurdle.
Building From the Ground Up
Amorim’s early struggles reflect deeper systemic issues at Manchester United. The lack of a cohesive strategy, both on and off the pitch, has left the club in a state of disarray. For the Portuguese manager, the challenge is not merely about implementing his preferred tactics but also instilling a winning mentality within a team that has often lacked direction.
A Club at a Crossroads
Amorim’s first week at Old Trafford has been a wake-up call, both for the manager and for those who believed a quick fix was possible. With a squad that appears unprepared for the demands of his system and a challenging transfer market ahead, the road to recovery will be anything but smooth.
Hope for the Future
Despite these obstacles, Amorim’s track record suggests he has the resilience and tactical acumen to succeed. His ability to transform Sporting CP from perennial underachievers into league champions is a testament to his managerial prowess. At Manchester United, he faces a similar challenge but on a much grander scale.
If the club can back Amorim in the transfer market and provide him with the time to implement his philosophy, there is reason to believe he can lead United back to the summit of English football. For now, however, the focus must remain on instilling the basics: intensity, discipline, and a clear identity.
The Task Ahead
As Amorim continues to adapt to life at Old Trafford, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his tenure. While the early signs are challenging, the manager’s determination and vision could yet prove to be the catalyst for Manchester United’s long-awaited resurgence. For now, the Red Devils remain a club in transition, but under Amorim’s guidance, hope endures.