Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has already been met with a strong endorsement from the club’s talismanic captain, Bruno Fernandes, who has highlighted the qualities that make the 39-year-old the perfect fit to lead the Red Devils.
The new head coach landed in Manchester on Monday and has swiftly immersed himself in the culture at Carrington, making initial introductions with key first-team players. Amorim’s primary task is clear: reverse the fortunes of a Manchester United side in disarray after Erik ten Hag’s departure last month and take charge of his first game against Ipswich Town on November 24.
The timing of Amorim’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for United, whose season has stumbled under the weight of underperforming players and tactical indecision. Amorim is tasked with lifting the team from its dismal 13th-place position in the Premier League standings, already 13 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. As a manager with a reputation for discipline, tactical acumen, and nurturing young talent, Amorim has already proven his capabilities, particularly during his successful stint at Sporting Lisbon, where he led the club to two Primeira Liga titles, ending a nearly two-decade-long trophy drought.
Fernandes, a key player for both Manchester United and Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon, has been quick to praise his new boss, emphasizing the Portuguese coach’s standout qualities. “For me, what stands out the most is the connection he has with players,” Fernandes remarked, underscoring Amorim’s ability to foster a strong bond with his team. The United captain explained that Amorim’s leadership style was evident in the way he was respected by his previous squad at Sporting, with players visibly upset at his departure. “When the manager is leaving in the middle of the season, with so much left to fight for, and you see how the players react to him, how they say goodbye to him, it speaks volumes about his character,” Fernandes said.
This deep connection with his players is something Fernandes believes will benefit Manchester United as Amorim attempts to reshape the squad’s fortunes. The 30-year-old attacking midfielder also touched on the importance of a manager who can protect his players from public criticism, a sentiment that contrasts sharply with Erik ten Hag’s reign. Under the Dutchman, United frequently struggled to find answers after poor performances, with Ten Hag often taking a stern, disciplinarian approach that failed to win over certain players. Amorim, in contrast, is noted for his protective attitude, often stepping in front of the media to shield his players from undue blame.
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Fernandes expressed his hope that this same protective instinct would benefit Manchester United’s squad, particularly in light of the club’s underperformance in recent months. “I have seen many moments where players were struggling, and he [Amorim] would defend them in press conferences, giving them the best opportunity to succeed,” Fernandes recalled. With a team that includes a blend of seasoned veterans and talented youngsters, the need for a manager who can create an environment where players feel supported is paramount. “He had a really young team at Sporting, and he had to defend them constantly. Hopefully, he can do the same with us,” Fernandes added.
Amorim’s managerial style and tactical philosophy will be put to the test at United, especially given the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season. United’s disjointed form has left the team languishing in the middle of the table, far from where they expect to be. However, Amorim’s ability to get the best out of younger players could be a key factor in his success. Having already worked closely with players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro, both of whom are recovering from injury, Amorim has shown a clear focus on integrating emerging talent into the first team.
Beyond the immediate challenge of stabilizing the squad, Amorim will need to establish a fresh culture at Old Trafford, one that prioritizes unity, discipline, and the development of youth. This is a stark contrast to the regime left by Ten Hag, which at times seemed to lack cohesion. The fact that Amorim has opted not to retain interim manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy, a United legend, as part of his coaching staff further signals a desire to establish his own identity at the club, without the shadow of the previous regime lingering over his work.
The 39-year-old has already shown signs of being a progressive, modern manager who values tactical flexibility and player development. His work at Sporting Lisbon speaks volumes: not only did he secure back-to-back league titles, but he also brought through some of the best young talents in Portugal, making them competitive on both domestic and European stages. This focus on youth development could be crucial for Manchester United, who have seen the emergence of several exciting young players in recent seasons but have struggled to create a consistent and sustainable winning environment.
The task ahead for Amorim is undoubtedly challenging, but with the full backing of Fernandes and a squad capable of better results, he has a solid foundation to work from. The United fanbase, who have grown frustrated with the club’s inconsistent performances, will be watching closely to see if Amorim can replicate his success at Sporting in Manchester. His first game in charge will be closely scrutinized, but the belief from Fernandes and other players is that Amorim can reinvigorate a squad that is desperate for direction and success.
As Amorim begins his tenure, all eyes will be on him to see how quickly he can instill his philosophy and get the best out of a squad that has underachieved for much of the season. The immediate task is to get United back on track in the Premier League, where they need a strong second-half push to close the gap on the top four. With Fernandes fully behind him and a clear vision for the future, Amorim will look to prove that he’s the right man to lead Manchester United into a new era of success.