Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford for the first time on the evening of November 16. The 39-year-old strategist visited his new home and had a meeting with the staff. After that, he walked into the press room to make his first public appearance in his new position.
In fact, questions about Man United have been answered by Amorim since his last matches as a coach at Sporting Lisbon. Among the countless things that need to be answered by the media, the Portuguese coach has focused on what is considered the weakest thing of the "Red Devils" in recent times, which is identity.
In the era of coaches after Sir Alex Ferguson, Erik ten Hag is the most favored strategist. The proof is that in more than 2 years leading the Old Trafford team, Ten Hag was given about 400 million pounds to buy players. However, the team's declining performance and soulless playing style are what sent Ten Hag to Old Trafford in disappointment. This time with Amorim, the Man United leadership needs to see the team play with soul, the performance will be discussed later.
Fortunately for Amorim, his first game in charge is against a weak Ipswich Town. So the calculations made in training this week will be put to the test next Sunday. It is possible that Man United will play their most attacking game of the season.
Amorim once shared that his playing philosophy is intensity, fitness and speed. In this first time making his mark, the former Sporting captain needs to show everyone that most clearly.
"In the past few days, people have been talking about 3-4-3 or 4-3-3. I think for Man United, that is not as important as the players' mentality and how they approach the game.
Rather than talking about systems or formations, it is all about how to deploy on the pitch, especially how to apply constant pressure. The most important thing for Man United right now is to create the identity and style of the team that they had in the past.
A team has to have an identity. When a player puts on the shirt, they have to feel that this is Manchester United. Some people think that wearing this shirt is a time to enjoy. I think otherwise, it is a motivation to promote the winning spirit.
Everyone at this club wants to win, and so do I, and I will try to do that with the players. The fans are really looking forward to that. Again, identity is what I will focus on in the coming time.
I am just a small part of this huge club. However, I have an important responsibility as the head coach. I hope that in the coming time, everyone will join hands to achieve important goals together" - Ruben Amorim shared.
One of the things that stands out about Ruben Amorim, and it's very different to Erik ten Hag, is his English. In his 12-minute speech at Old Trafford, Amorim spoke fluently and stressed many important points. First impressions are always important and Amorim is doing just that.
Amorim has taken over a team that has temporarily escaped the crisis from Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, everything ahead is still very messy. The Portuguese coach needs to stabilize the personnel and spirit, before thinking about finding the heroic identity for the "Red Devils".
