Manchester United’s latest chapter under the leadership of Ruben Amorim begins with a critical Premier League clash against Ipswich Town this Sunday.
As the Red Devils aim to climb into the top half of the table, Bruno Fernandes has laid down a clear message: it’s time for the squad to fully embrace the changes Amorim is bringing to Old Trafford.
Currently sitting in 12th place, Manchester United has benefited from Bournemouth’s recent defeat, but the team remains far from the lofty standards expected by fans, the board, and the newly appointed coaching staff. Ruben Amorim, fresh from a glittering tenure at Sporting CP, has been open about needing time to instill his football philosophy. However, his ambitions are clear: to restore Manchester United to their Premier League-winning heights, a feat last achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Amorim’s managerial debut in the Premier League, Fernandes offered insights into the tactical and cultural adjustments already underway. “It’s still the beginning, but you can see what he’s about—how much intensity he wants in every training session,” Fernandes said. “He and his staff are strict but also open, which helps us understand the expectations.”
United’s struggles in recent months have highlighted the need for a cultural reset. Under Amorim, the focus is shifting to the present—addressing immediate weaknesses and laying the foundation for long-term success. Fernandes acknowledged that one of the team’s biggest challenges has been looking too far ahead, detracting from the day-to-day work required to win consistently.
“The manager pointed out some things he thinks need to change, and it’s on us to follow through,” Fernandes added. “It’s not just about who starts or who plays; it’s about everyone feeling involved and sharing the same hunger to win.”
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Amorim’s approach, according to Fernandes, is both direct and demanding. Clear communication has already emerged as a cornerstone of his philosophy, an aspect that served him well during his trophy-laden spell in Portugal. “He’s very precise about what he wants and what he expects from us,” Fernandes explained. “That clarity makes it easier for us to adapt.”
Amorim’s track record speaks volumes. During his four-and-a-half years at Sporting CP, he guided the club to two Primeira Liga titles and two Taca da Liga trophies. His teams became synonymous with attacking flair and tactical discipline, qualities Manchester United will be hoping to replicate. His final season at Sporting was particularly remarkable: an 11-game winning streak in the league, with a staggering goal difference of 39-5, underscored his ability to inspire dominance.
Perhaps most notably, Amorim’s Sporting side dismantled Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League earlier this season, handing Pep Guardiola one of the heaviest defeats of his managerial career. This stunning result has bolstered expectations around what Amorim could achieve at Old Trafford.
Fernandes also emphasized his own role in the team’s transition, highlighting the importance of unity. “My job is to make sure everyone gets on board with the new ideas,” he said. “We’re going in a different direction now, and we need to be the ones most excited about it.”
Manchester United’s history is steeped in success, but the road back to the summit of English football will not be easy. Amorim’s arrival signals a shift in approach, one focused on high intensity, precise communication, and team-wide buy-in.
As United fans prepare to witness Amorim’s first game at the helm, the message from Fernandes is clear: the players must commit fully to this new direction if they are to meet the expectations set by their new coach and the club’s storied past.
While the journey under Amorim has just begun, the stakes are already high. A win against Ipswich Town would not only lift United further up the table but also provide an early glimpse of what this new era might hold for one of football’s most iconic clubs.