Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford this week. (Image: Getty)
New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has promised to bring an ‘identity’ to the club after speaking out for the first time since his appointment at the start of the month. The Portuguese boss arrived this week after serving his 30-day notice at Sporting CP, and will be in the dugout for the first time when United go to Ipswich on November 24.
Amorim’s task appears a sizeable one, with his team 12th in the table following their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Despite capturing a League Cup and FA Cup in the previous two seasons, the Red Devils were consistently accused of lacking direction under Erik ten Hag, an area Amorim is determined to address.
Asked what kind of team fans can expect under him, Amorim told MUTV: “What I can say is that I think you will see an idea. You could like it or not, I don’t know, but you will see an idea. You will see a positioning. You will see something.
“Something that we want to reach that kind of level. But we have to know that it’s like two trainings before the first match. This is the best league in in the world. But if I have to say something to you, you will see an idea. This I can guarantee.”
During his four years in charge at Sporting, Amorim landed two Primeira Liga titles and became renowned for his style of play. The 39-year-old primarily deployed a 3-4-3 formation, with emphasis on movement and retaining possession.
Amorim became renowned for his style of play in Portugal. (Image: Getty)
His tactical qualities were plain to see as his former side dismantled Man City 4-1 in the Champions League this month, his final European game in charge of the Portuguese club. And he told Manchester United club media that despite coming in mid-season it is instilling a philosophy, and not results, that is his immediate priority.
“The most important thing for me is identity,” he continued. ”So since day one we will start with our identity. Of course we are going to prepare the games, but we will focus a lot in our game model.
“How to play, how to press, these small things, small details. You cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.”
Following the trip to Portman Road, Amorim will have successive home games to showcase that ‘identity’ at Old Trafford. The club host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League four days later, before Everton visit in the Premier League.
Amorim has been handed a contract until June 2027, with the club holding an option for an extra year. After the deal was confirmed, he claimed United was the only club he would leave Sporting for, having initially wanted to delay his move for the rest of the season.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1976681/Ruben-Amorim-Man-Utd-interview