When asked if the 2-week break will disrupt Man United's excitement before the trip to Anfield, Ruben Amorim shared: "There is no such thing as excitement for this team, whether there is a break or not. We all know what happens every time we win a game. What disappointed me was that Man United were often not themselves away from home."
That is a very straightforward answer from a coach who has not been able to help Man United win 2 consecutive matches in the Premier League. Three consecutive victories at Old Trafford but not a single victory away from home, that is what makes Ruben Amorim feel uncomfortable.
When faith needs to be shown in action
Before the match, Amorim shared that the players were under media pressure surrounding his 3-4-2-1 formation. Although Sir Jim Ratcliffe still wants to give Amorim the full first season, the defeat to Sunderland will shake the Portuguese coach's seat. Therefore, Mason Mount's speech after the match received more attention: "The whole team 100% supports the coach".
When quoted with this line, Amorim nodded but added: I know the players want to do their best and I also know they dont want to keep changing coaches. However, to truly support the coach, it means fighting with all our might in all situations. We need to show that with action, not just at Old Trafford".
Once again, Amorim showed that his way of speaking was more implied but also no less straightforward. For him, "supporting the coach" is not just a matter of words, it is a matter of players having to run, fighting and forgetting themselves.
An important victory although not convincing
Against Sunderland, Man United did not need to exert too much effort. Mason Mount's cross from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko's mark after Dalot's long throw-in were enough for them to finish the game. However, Amorim is still not completely satisfied.
We didnt play well in the second half but we focused more, fought for every second half and Sesko always supported at the right time. Such small details will help the team win more matches. If we can't play well, at least make the opponent not play well, that's how a big team wins throughout the season" - Amorim shared.
Sunderland captain Regis Le Bris also admitted that Man United have chosen a safe playing style. However, that is quite far from what Amorim's football promises to bring to fans when he takes office. Just like Erik ten Hag directed De Gea to pass long passes in the match against Liverpool in 2022, Amorim did the same with Senne Lammens, avoiding risks with short passes.
Senne Lammens is an example of practicality
Statistics show that Lammens have made 33 long passes (from 40m and above), twice as many as any of Man United's goalkeepers this season. Before that, Altay Bayindir's highest tally was only 16 times (in the match against Man City).
The tactical highlight was to take advantage of Sesko's aerial power, allowing Mount and Mbeumo to pick up the second ball. Amorim witnessed the effectiveness of the match against Chelsea when Robert Sanchez received a red card. At that time, Bayindir passed a long pass towards Sesko, creating space for Mbeumo to escape and pick up the ball.
On the positive, Lammens were calm, helping the defense to be less tense, something rarely seen at Old Trafford recently. Every time he catches the ball, he receives a standing ovation from the stands. The save at the end of the match against Chemsdine Talbi also showed good reflexes, even though Lammens had previously been almost punished.
Amorim commented: Lammens came here when Bayindir were still a starts, had to adapt to the environment, pressure from the media and fans. Today is just the beginning. At this team, everything is very harsh."
Amorim's frankness
Ruben Amorim's styleful statements: frank, unconventional and always set the highest standards. He may not have created a handsome Man United but at least made the players understand that the favorable period has passed.
The victory over Sunderland only temporarily eased the pressure. However, more importantly, being straightforward in every word and action, Ruben Amorim knows that today the whole team played well but tomorrow could be a disaster. The Portuguese coach knows the pressure is still huge. The "Red Devils" cannot just play badly and reassure the board and fans with such a win.
