Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United kicked off with a narrow but morale-boosting 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.
Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and a Rasmus Hojlund brace secured the win, but questions remain about the long-term viability of Amorim’s tactical approach, especially in the Premier League. Owen Hargreaves, a former United midfielder, has raised concerns about the manager’s current setup, warning that tougher tests lie ahead.
Hargreaves specifically pointed to the central-midfield duo of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes. While the pairing functioned well enough against Bodo/Glimt, he believes that Amorim’s reliance on a two-man midfield could leave United exposed against more formidable sides like Arsenal and Manchester City. “If you’re going to play two in there, they need to be two super-athletes and cover the distances,” Hargreaves told TNT Sports, hinting at potential vulnerabilities.
Midfield Balance: A Key Concern
For Hargreaves, the issue isn’t talent but tactical balance. Amorim may need to adjust his formation, potentially dropping one of his attacking midfielders deeper to support the central duo. “I think playing two in there against an Arsenal or a City is going to be really, really difficult,” Hargreaves warned. This tactical flexibility, or lack thereof, could be crucial as United face Everton next and then head into a high-stakes clash with Arsenal.
Despite these challenges, Hargreaves remains optimistic, noting Amorim’s proven ability to nurture young talent. He highlighted Kobbie Mainoo, a promising midfielder yet to feature under Amorim, as someone who could play a pivotal role in solving the team’s midfield conundrum. “Such a special young player, you’d think he’d kind of almost walk into that midfield,” Hargreaves added, suggesting that Mainoo’s return could provide the physicality and dynamism United need.
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Adapting to the Premier League’s Demands
Amorim’s success at Sporting Lisbon was built on a high-pressing, aggressive style, but replicating that in the Premier League is a different challenge altogether. Hargreaves believes Amorim needs time to adapt his methods to fit the demands of English football. “It’s a work in progress. We need to be patient, but we’re getting there,” he said, emphasizing the importance of giving the Portuguese manager space to implement his ideas.
The Hojlund Factor
One bright spot in Amorim’s early days has been the form of Rasmus Hojlund, who netted twice in the Europa League win. Hargreaves sees enormous potential in the Danish striker, drawing parallels to Amorim’s previous work with young talents like Viktor Gyokeres. “There’s so much potential in him, and that’s the good thing about Ruben Amorim—he’s brilliant with young players,” Hargreaves noted.
Hojlund’s development will be crucial as United navigate a demanding schedule. With Everton next on the agenda, followed by the high-stakes Arsenal clash, Hojlund’s ability to deliver consistently could define United’s season.
Injury Concerns and Squad Depth
Another challenge for Amorim is managing injuries and squad depth. Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Noussair Mazraoui have all been sidelined, but their return could bolster United’s options. “Mazraoui plays amazing every time he plays,” Hargreaves said, hinting at the importance of having a fully fit squad to maintain consistency across competitions.
Looking Ahead: Transfers and Title Ambitions
As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester United have been linked with a host of players. Reports suggest Juventus’ Cristiano Giuntoli recently held talks with United regarding potential moves for Nicolo Fagioli and Douglas Luiz. While speculation continues, Hargreaves believes Amorim’s immediate focus should remain on getting the best out of his current squad.
The possibility of re-signing Paul Pogba has also been floated, but whether Amorim will entertain such a move remains uncertain. For now, the priority is clear: finding tactical solutions to compete against top Premier League sides and securing consistent results.
Conclusion: Patience and Progress
Ruben Amorim’s start at Manchester United has shown promise, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Owen Hargreaves’ concerns about the midfield are valid, and how Amorim addresses them will determine his success at Old Trafford. With tough fixtures looming, including a crucial encounter with Arsenal, the next few weeks could define United’s season—and Amorim’s tenure.
The message from Hargreaves is clear: patience is key. United fans and the club’s hierarchy must give Amorim time to adapt and evolve his tactics. Only then can the Red Devils hope to challenge for major honors once again.