Manchester United’s players have been put on notice as new manager Ruben Amorim prepares to take charge at Old Trafford.
According to sources close to the club, only one player—United captain Bruno Fernandes—is likely to be viewed as “safe” under the incoming boss. Amorim, who has built an impressive reputation as Sporting Lisbon’s manager, will arrive on Monday after completing his last game with the Portuguese side against Braga.
Amorim’s potential impact is already generating buzz after Sporting’s stunning Champions League win over Manchester City midweek, a match that showcased the attacking style United fans are hoping he’ll bring to Old Trafford. However, he faces a challenging task: United currently sit in an unimpressive 13th place in the Premier League, a situation that led to Erik ten Hag’s recent departure.
Reports suggest Amorim might be interested in bringing some of his Sporting stars with him, including Viktor Gyokeres and Pedro Goncalves. But while these transfer ambitions may spark excitement among United fans, Amorim has confirmed that any potential moves are unlikely to happen in the January window. For now, it’s the current squad that will need to prove themselves worthy of his plans.
Paul Merson, the former Arsenal midfielder and Sky Sports pundit, has voiced concern for many of United’s players. Merson believes that, aside from Bruno Fernandes, no one in the current squad can be sure of their place. Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said, “I only see Fernandes as the one for me who is a safe one. He’ll play in behind as a No. 10 and can play his football. He’s Portuguese; Amorim will know him.” Merson noted the challenges Amorim will face, pointing to players like Rashford and Garnacho, who may struggle to fit into a system that relies on traditional wing-backs and forwards capable of holding the ball up front.
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As for Amorim’s future success, Merson is optimistic. He believes Amorim has what it takes to turn United’s fortunes around, though it may take some time given the restrictions of Financial Fair Play (FFP) and the need to overhaul the current squad. “This is a different league,” Merson commented, highlighting that winning every week at Old Trafford is an entirely different challenge from managing in Portugal. However, Merson is confident that Amorim’s reputation as a top coach in his homeland is well-founded.
Reflecting on Amorim’s tactical approach, Merson highlighted the manager’s impressive record at Sporting. United fans got a taste of his attacking style during the win against City, where Sporting staged a thrilling comeback to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 victory. It’s a performance that, while not typical of Amorim’s approach, showed his ability to inspire a spirited response from his players and adjust tactics mid-game.
Merson shared his thoughts on Amorim’s popularity in Portugal, mentioning conversations with Sporting fans during his travels. “I’ve talked to people in Portugal, in cabs and with Sporting fans, and they were telling me how good he was,” Merson said, emphasizing the esteem Amorim holds among Portuguese football fans. “He will get it right, but it will take time because the fair play rules now don’t let you go bang, wallop, crash.”
While Merson is confident in Amorim’s capabilities, he was quick to point out the difficulties the manager faces with the current squad. Many of United’s players lack the attributes Amorim prefers, especially in positions such as wing-backs and forward roles, where strength, pace, and technical control are crucial for his high-energy, pressing system.
Amorim’s arrival signifies yet another chapter in United’s attempts to revive the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. While fans are eager to see progress, patience will be key. According to Merson, Amorim has what it takes to instill discipline and reshape United’s tactical approach, but these changes won’t happen overnight.
The real test for Amorim will begin this season as he assesses the squad’s suitability for his philosophy and prepares for a transfer strategy that could reshape the team in his vision.
