Rúben Amorim has taken on a significant challenge at Manchester United, stepping in after a dismal start to the season under Erik ten Hag. The Dutch coach left the team in turmoil, with a fragile squad and a lack of confidence and cohesion among the players. When Ten Hag departed, United was languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, far from the club’s historic expectations.
Amorim’s Premier League debut ended in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich, showing little immediate change. The team’s struggles, reminiscent of Ten Hag’s tenure, persisted, and many fans questioned whether Amorim could turn things around quickly. However, as he prepared for his first Premier League match at Old Trafford, subtle signs of improvement were evident. BBC Sport’s Shamoon Hafez observed that Amorim was already implementing changes that departed from Ten Hag’s approach.
A New Approach to Pre-Match Preparations
One of Amorim’s most noticeable changes was his approach to the team’s warm-ups. Under Ten Hag, United’s warm-ups were often criticized as too basic, with players performing aimless drills and shooting without focus. Hafez highlighted that Amorim’s warm-ups were much more structured and purposeful, with players practicing organized patterns that involved defenders in bibs working to disrupt midfielders and attackers.
This shift in preparation reflected Amorim’s emphasis on tactical discipline, signaling a new era of strategy and structure. His focus on game-like drills fostered better connections between defense and attack, setting the tone for a more organized and confident squad.
Positive Early Results
Amorim’s changes were evident in Manchester United’s commanding 4-0 victory over Everton. Marcus Rashford, who had struggled earlier in the season, appeared rejuvenated under Amorim, scoring the opening goal and netting in consecutive league matches. Former player Owen Hargreaves praised Rashford’s renewed form, noting how Amorim was unlocking the forward’s potential.
Joshua Zirkzee also thrived under Amorim, scoring once in the first half and again after the break. Rashford added a second goal, and Zirkzee’s second sealed the win, showcasing the team’s newfound sharpness and confidence.
A Promising Outlook
Though Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United is still in its infancy, the early signs of progress are clear. His focused approach to pre-match preparations and tactical discipline has already made a positive impact. Players like Rashford and Zirkzee are benefiting from his methods, and the dominant performance against Everton suggests a promising future under the Portuguese coach.
