Ruben Amorim is on a mission to rejuvenate Manchester United following Erik ten Hag’s era, facing obstacles in scoring and squad balance before his debut. “Ruud. Thank you,” Ruben Amorim posted on X, along with a heart symbol and a photo of a content Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The appointment of Ruben Amorim marks Manchester United’s effort to start afresh. Erik ten Hag, despite being extended by the same regime, was appointed before Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement as a minority owner and the arrival of David Brailsford as director, Omar Berrada as chief executive from Manchester City, and Dan Ashworth as sporting director from Newcastle.
Amorim, 39, uses the international break to familiarize himself with the club that boasts 20 league titles, before heading to Ipswich for his first match on November 24.
Amorim, similar to Alex Ferguson, joins Manchester United after winning the league with a club outside the top two. However, as seen with Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag, past success doesn’t guarantee triumph at Manchester United. The scrutiny from figures like Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes adds to the challenge of being United’s coach.
“I am not naive, I know it’s going to be very, very different, very tough but I feel that I’m ready,” Amorim stated.
With three wins and one draw in all competitions, Nistelrooy provided some stability before stepping down. Captain Bruno Fernandes scored in his 250th match, Amad and Alejandro Garnacho impressed against Leicester City, and Manuel Ugarte settled in well. However, issues remain.
United’s struggle to score persists. Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, and Rasmus Højlund have only two goals between them. Their big chance conversion rate is the lowest in the Premier League. Amorim’s previous team scored 39 times in 11 matches. His first task might be to restore Rashford’s form.
Ten Hag and Nistelrooy both utilized Rashford in numerous matches, including all Premier League games. Rashford, though showing signs of improvement, is not at his peak form from 2022-23. At his best, Rashford offers the pace, strength, finishing, and defensive skills United need.
Amorim hinted at implementing the 3-4-3 formation that was successful for him in Portugal. However, United’s squad lacks the balance for this system. They have many attacking players but lack wingbacks like Maximiliano Araujo and Geovany Quenda. Ten Hag used Noussair Mazraoui as a No.10, and though consistent, Mazraoui is a full-back. Diogo Dalot’s form is uncertain, and Luke Shaw struggles with injuries.
Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt are center-back options, but Harry Maguire has had difficulties in a back three, and Jonny Evans will be 37 in January, leaving United light in defense.
In midfield, besides Ugarte, Amorim lacks players matching Ugarte’s athleticism and intensity, crucial for blocking teams in the middle and forcing them wide. Casemiro, although recovering from a tough game against Liverpool, will turn 33 in February. Kobbie Mainoo will need time to develop, with cautionary examples from Barcelona’s young players’ injuries.
Højlund and Zirkzee offer varied options as center-forwards. From Fernandes, Amad, Garnacho, Mason Mount, Rashford, and Christian Eriksen, Amorim has numerous choices for players behind the striker.
Ten Hag’s tenure ended without a clear playing style, his high press and low block often left the midfield exposed. Amorim must adjust the squad and use upcoming transfer windows to bring in players who can execute his vision.
Berrada stated that United aims to win the league by 2028. In a club known for its quick turnover of managers, Amorim has just over half that time to prove he can set United on the right path.
