Ruben Amorim - Manchester United Head Coach

[GaryLifo]

If nothing else with United we offer the Manager a long period of time even if results are shite. They're guaranteed to have time to sort out a mess when it occurs rather than the club panicking and sacking immediately. Not many top clubs offer that to be fair. We also support them with money in the transfer market too, it's not like they have nothing to work with each window.

As for Amorim himself, we've got two decisions to make this season. Continue with status quo hoping that he can turn around our form and deliver a Top 4. Or immediately switch to his system no matter the results and accept that this season is a write off but having the useful data of knowing which players work and which don't. Giving us a better platform to start from next season.

Exactly - very few clubs of our stature would give managers the average of 2.25 years that ours tend to have been given. I don't think any of them except Moyes could validly argue they weren't given time. They pre-Ineos managers might argue they weren't given the right support, and they'd have a point, but not time.

The problem with letting him switch to the new system now and likely seeing us get a few hammerings as it becomes clear half the squad are uncoachable and cannot play as instructed, is that the media and some sections of our own fanbase will be judging everything on results from day 1. Lose at Ipswich and there'll be plenty of media 'They could have had McKenna, but went for the fancy foreign coach and lolz bantz he got schooled by the ex-united assitant coach'

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

Weak response

Sorry, father.

But the guy is acting like a typical top red. How dare somebody mention my beloved United in a negative light. And then proceed to get personal with comments about knowing what type of manager I'd be based on a few posts on the internet. I'm not particularly interested in having a tit for tat with him.

 

[Lee565]

I dont think we should be writing this season off already, we are only 6 point behind the likes of villa and arsenal and we still have europa league

 

[VP89]

I dont think we should be writing this season off already, we are only 6 point behind the likes of villa and arsenal and we still have europa league

Absolutely.

 

[croadyman]

Doesn't really bother me. No doubt he'll improve once he's in England and immersed in it every day, which is always the best way to improve your language skills.

Most of the squad speaks either Portuguese or Spanish anyway.

Yeah it will definitely improve further once he has been over here for a while. Definitely gives off a very charismatic vibe after Ten Hag never really had that.

 

[TheReligion]

Look at the number of young signings (18-23) who didn't develop or flopped. I'm mainly talking about first team signings. We have signed some top young players and nearly all of them flop. There is something wrong at the club. It's not just young players either, lots of established 25+ year olds flop here. Neville is right about that. Something about the environment is not helping. Some of these players are coveted by other big clubs..

Our own Academy products have done well for the most part. Our Academy is one of the few things the club has got right over the past decade. Changes were implemented around LvG's time and is has become a very well oiled machine.

If anything joining City as 16-18 year old isn't a bad idea. They get a good football education and that then springboards them to big clubs. City have a shit load of former Academy players playing in the top 5 leagues in Europe. For some very big clubs too. Our tends to end up at Championship and League One clubs. We have a few exceptions like Garner. Sancho joined BVB, Brahim went to Real, Palmer went to Chelsea, Lavia to Chelsea, etc.

The thing is we all know there’s been something wrong with the club but now we have made wholesale changes and finally implemented a footballing structure is that that unreasonable for people to feel positive moving forward that these issues you speak of may become a thing of the past?

We will soon see anyway with the first youth signing, Yoro.

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

The thing is we all know there’s been something wrong with the club but now we have made wholesale changes and finally implemented a footballing structure is that that unreasonable for people to feel positive moving forward that these issues you speak of may become a thing of the past?

We will soon see anyway with the first youth signing, Yoro.

I made an innocent post that I wouldn't join United if were a young manager or player and it has snowballed into people taking it as personal attack.

Ugarte and Zirkzee are both young players who haven't started well. But yes, this is the most optimistic I have been about United post Mourinho. ten Hag is gone and I will find immense joy from that for the rest of the season. Win or lose, we're on the booze.

 

[Rolaholic]

 

[Hughes35]

In general I'm not a massive fan of 3 (or 5) at the back but we desperately need a change and I think we do have several players quite well suited to the formation.

As for Amorim, I'm not going to pretend to know much about him but he has a good C.V at Sporting, interviewed well and been linked to multiple big clubs. Hopefully he is FINALLY the answer. At least it's a reason to be excited and look forward to games for once.

 

[TheReligion]

I made an innocent post that I wouldn't join United if were a young manager or player and it has snowballed into people taking it as personal attack.

Ugarte and Zirkzee are both young players who haven't started well. But yes, this is the most optimistic I have been about United post Mourinho. ten Hag is gone and I will find immense joy from that for the rest of the season. Win or lose, we're on the booze.

That’s fine I guess. Each to their own. I think the signing of Yoro highlights that United still appeal to top, highly rated, young players in world football though. The same will apply for managers too (see Amorim).

United are still a very attractive proposition. Even after 10/12 relatively poor years by their exceptionally high standards.

 

[Berbaclass]

I dont think we should be writing this season off already, we are only 6 point behind the likes of villa and arsenal and we still have europa league

That's why we have changed manager.

 

[FriedClams]

If nothing else with United we offer the Manager a long period of time even if results are shite. They're guaranteed to have time to sort out a mess when it occurs rather than the club panicking and sacking immediately. Not many top clubs offer that to be fair. We also support them with money in the transfer market too, it's not like they have nothing to work with each window.

As for Amorim himself, we've got two decisions to make this season. Continue with status quo hoping that he can turn around our form and deliver a Top 4. Or immediately switch to his system no matter the results and accept that this season is a write off but having the useful data of knowing which players work and which don't. Giving us a better platform to start from next season.

Our fanbase is incapable of this. Make no mistake, if Amorim goes on a losing streak and we aren't playing well, it'll be spun that he's not able to deal with the pressure of managing here and he'll eventually be sacked.

 

[ayushreddevil9]

He said it on the after match review.

He said that utd usually played 4 atb but he didn’t ‘plant’ any doubt or said it with any ill will. The fanbase can feck themselves if they are worried after hearing that.

 

[TheReligion]

Our fanbase is incapable of this. Make no mistake, if Amorim goes on a losing streak and we aren't playing well, it'll be spun that he's not able to deal with the pressure of managing here and he'll eventually be sacked.

Online fanbase incapable perhaps but the matchday one will offer full support, often to their detriment and ‘top red’ accusations.

 

[FriedClams]

Online fanbase incapable perhaps but the matchday one will offer full support, often to their detriment and ‘top red’ accusations.

For a while. However, I think everything points towards this being a successful appointment. Fully expect us to be in a new shape v Ipswich.

 

[TheReligion]

For a while. However, I think everything points towards this being a successful appointment. Fully expect us to be in a new shape v Ipswich.

Agreed

 

[Rolaholic]

Our fanbase is incapable of this. Make no mistake, if Amorim goes on a losing streak and we aren't playing well, it'll be spun that he's not able to deal with the pressure of managing here and he'll eventually be sacked.

Patience for a manager is absolutely the last thing this fanbase is lacking in...

If what you mentioned is the case 2-3 years in then obviously that would result in questions about viability for the job as it would at literally any other top European side.

 

[Judas]

Big day today. I’m actually going to watch (for a bit) a Man City game. The audience will be oddly big won’t it?

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

Big day today. I’m actually going to watch (for a bit) a Man City game. The audience will be oddly big won’t it?

Do you not watch other teams much?

I often watch City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Brighton. If anything, it gives you perspective. Seeing how other teams play compared to us.

In fact, I think fans who don't watch other teams are a bit blinded to the state of United. There were definitely some fans who didn't realise just how bad it got under ten Hag.

I'm not saying this applies to you

 

[Judas]

Do you not watch other teams much?

I often watch City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Brighton. If anything, it gives you perspective. Seeing how other teams play compared to us.

In fact, I think fans who don't watch other teams are a bit blinded to the state of United. There were definitely some fans who didn't realise just how bad it got under ten Hag.

I'm not saying this applies to you

I don’t really watch City apart from against top teams because there’s just so many better things to do with one’s time than watch something so boring. I watch plenty of football, still too much if anything.

 

[romufc]

Anxiety Cafe in full swing again I see.

It might not work out, so let's all express our fear that it won't work so we can whisper that we were right if it all goes wrong

Yep, its because as a fan you are no longer allowed to change opinion.

I think he will be good for us, I hope we can see an instant impact. Making us hard to break will be good, whilst controlling games. I am already looking at Arsenal away, might be soon but definitely Liverpool away as a game where he makes his mark.

 

[The holy trinity 68]

Do you not watch other teams much?

I often watch City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Brighton. If anything, it gives you perspective. Seeing how other teams play compared to us.

In fact, I think fans who don't watch other teams are a bit blinded to the state of United. There were definitely some fans who didn't realise just how bad it got under ten Hag.

I'm not saying this applies to you

Not everyone has the time to be watching 7 different teams.

 

[DJ_21]

Big day today. I’m actually going to watch (for a bit) a Man City game. The audience will be oddly big won’t it?

Ye I’d imagine half or more of our fan base will be watching and normally English teams do get a lot of viewings in the CL even if it’s not your team just because there English but obviously this will be watched for a different reason. We’ll be seeing how Amorim sets his sporting team up against a very good team in city, I just hope if city score a few and win that people don’t start writing of Amorim before he comes as sporting squad to city’s is miles apart.

 

[JoaoFM]

I dont think we should be writing this season off already, we are only 6 point behind the likes of villa and arsenal and we still have europa league

I believe he will have an immediate impact in the way MU defends and a later impact in the way you attack.

He will rebuild your team from the defence most likely and in the first couple of months - at least - will probably play two FB as windbacks (maybe Dalot and Mazraoui).

Once the defence is working the way he wants he will start changing (while keeping the system ) and aiming for a more attacking 11. Firstly by increasing the liberty given to the FB´s that play as wingbacks and then using pure wingers as wingbacks.

At least this is what he has done in Sporting:

The 2021 team had Nuno Mendes and Pedro Porro as wingbacks (two FB albeit offensive and with liberty to go up);
In 2022 and 2023 he was using 1 FB and one Winger as WB, and usually made a double substitution during the games and changed them at the same time: Nuno Santos (LW) with Esgaio (RFB) or M.Reis (LFB) with Catamo (RW);
This year he was mainly using Quenda and Catamo at the same time - two pure wingers as wingbacks.

There were a lot of nuances also - regarding the liberty they had - but you get the idea.

Tonight agains city we will probably start with Maxi Araújo ("hybrid" player - plays for Uruguai both as a - inside - winger or as a FB, depending on the opponent) and Catamo (pure winger)

 

[bosskeano]

The coach can definitely control that situation. Sell those that don’t fit, don’t perform get rid.

and it would be about time that someone finally took that initiative as we've seen them struggle for too long and not be moved out

 

[Raoul]

You mean the guy who did this

 

[romufc]

Do you not watch other teams much?

I often watch City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa, Spurs and Brighton. If anything, it gives you perspective. Seeing how other teams play compared to us.

In fact, I think fans who don't watch other teams are a bit blinded to the state of United. There were definitely some fans who didn't realise just how bad it got under ten Hag.

I'm not saying this applies to you

Quite interesting that you only watch those teams? Maybe because they are doing well?

How often do you watch those teams? Do you watch most Brighton games then?

What about lower league teams?

 

[RDCR07]

You mean the guy who did this

Geez. What the hell is his problem? And how is he still employed?

 

[Fugeeface]

As for Amorim himself, we've got two decisions to make this season. Continue with status quo hoping that he can turn around our form and deliver a Top 4. Or immediately switch to his system no matter the results and accept that this season is a write off but having the useful data of knowing which players work and which don't. Giving us a better platform to start from next season.

I hope that the status quo is scrapped, it brought us to where we are and that's not where I want to be.

I would prefer switching to whatever he wants to do. I don't care about the results anymore, the season has been ruined already.

I don't expect miracles either, so lets use the time we have this season to prepare for the next one. Create the platform to build upon and let's see where we land.

 

[romufc]

I hope that the status quo is scrapped, it brought us to where we are and that's not where I want to be.

I would prefer switching to whatever he wants to do. I don't care about the results anymore, the season has been ruined already.

I don't expect miracles either, so lets use the time we have this season to prepare for the next one. Create the platform to build upon and let's see where we land.

This is a rhetoric I dont understand.. "I dont care about results". So you would rather him do anything he wants and lose games?

What is a platform? 10th? 12th? 14th?

He has to win games, this is why he is brought in, to do better than Ten Hag. He is rated as one of the best young coaches, he has to get us top 6 and a Europa League this season.

 

[ColvaleGoa]

I dont think we should be writing this season off already, we are only 6 point behind the likes of villa and arsenal and we still have europa league

This. Just accept we might have a few hiccups along the way. Aim for as high as possible in the league and definitely go for Europa

 

[saik]

Ehhh... just watched his interview with TNT and I don't like the way he said that he's "maybe not looking forward to the challenge of being tested every week". Could have said he can't wait for the challenge, atleast for the optics. Guy's probably a bit too honest.

 

[RedDevil@84]

Guy's probably a bit too honest.

Media cnuts will twist his words. He will be shocked.

 

[Judas]

This is a rhetoric I dont understand.. "I dont care about results". So you would rather him do anything he wants and lose games?

What is a platform? 10th? 12th? 14th?

He has to win games, this is why he is brought in, to do better than Ten Hag. He is rated as one of the best young coaches, he has to get us top 6 and a Europa League this season.

Nah no he doesn't, not for me anyway. Depends how we're looking, whats going on with our football. You want winning at any cost? Why? What's the gain long term? I want to see progress as a proper football side with an identity.

Now I do think we should be aiming for top 5, but has to? Not necessarily. Setting yourself up for disappointment if you think he must achieve that without even a full season to do it.

 

[Bright_Eyes]

If nothing else with United we offer the Manager a long period of time even if results are shite. They're guaranteed to have time to sort out a mess when it occurs rather than the club panicking and sacking immediately. Not many top clubs offer that to be fair. We also support them with money in the transfer market too, it's not like they have nothing to work with each window.

As for Amorim himself, we've got two decisions to make this season. Continue with status quo hoping that he can turn around our form and deliver a Top 4. Or immediately switch to his system no matter the results and accept that this season is a write off but having the useful data of knowing which players work and which don't. Giving us a better platform to start from next season.

I want him to implement his style but there's a risk that it will take a while to click, and morale and trust may drop if it isn't working out. So I think I'd be in favour of option 3: a pragmatic shift to his system over the course of this season. Some kind of step by step transition, like introducing elements of his tactical approach mixed in with what the players are already used to.

 

[Fugeeface]

This is a rhetoric I dont understand.. "I dont care about results". So you would rather him do anything he wants and lose games?

What is a platform? 10th? 12th? 14th?

He has to win games, this is why he is brought in, to do better than Ten Hag. He is rated as one of the best young coaches, he has to get us top 6 and a Europa League this season.

Yes, absolutely.

A league position isn't a platform. I don't care if we finish in the lower half. It would be a reality check, although I do rate our squad. We just don't have a team yet.

What he wants to implement is a radical change and will take time. We won't be transformed within three months. Who knows, maybe I'm wrong and things click. That would be great, but I am not that hopeful.

So what happens if he doesn't win that many games and on top of that we fail in the Europa? Should he be sacked?

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

Quite interesting that you only watch those teams? Maybe because they are doing well?

How often do you watch those teams? Do you watch most Brighton games then?

What about lower league teams?

Quite interesting that you're interested.

I'd watch any game that's televised in England/Ireland involving those teams. Chelsea and Newcastle as well.

I'd watch most Barcelona, Real, Bayern, Leverkusen, Atalanta, Inter, Napoli and Celtic games as well. Mainly televised, but would find the occasional river if pushed.

 

[saik]

Media cnuts will twist his words. He will be shocked.

Hope he quickly realises the English media for what it is and puts them in their place. Shouldn't have entertained that Cotterill guy for that long in his press conference either. He was looking towards his press officer thinking what to do with this guy...

 

[Fallon d'Floor]

Not everyone has the time to be watching 7 different teams.

Luckily in modern times, most clubs release extended highlights on YouTube now. You can catch up on a team and get a decent picture from 10-15 mins if you miss a game. I haven't watched MOTD in years.

Ball is life. C'est la vie.

 

[PieCrust]

I like his 3 in the back, 5 man pressing tactical set up, with a lot of the creative play coming from the wing backs. Not all of our players fit this style, most notably Rashford who isn't effective as the CF and doesn't have the workrate or desire to actually commit to pressing as one of the wide forwards. This will be one of the first biggest hurdles for Amorim, deciding what to do with Rashford or if he can motivate him to re-invent himself a bit.

But overall, I hope Amorim is a huge sucess and I'm ready to get hurt again.