“I want to say beautiful things, but I’m going to be very honest. I think they will see an idea. They may like it or not, I don’t know, but they will see an idea. A positioning. Something that we want to reach a certain level. It will be felt. Of course It’s just two training sessions before the first game, in the best league in the world, but if I have to say something, it’s that you’ll see an idea.
Amorim was speaking to the club’s media at the end of his first week of work since leaving Portuguese champion Sporting, signing for Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes for the Red Devils.
On top of this idea, he stated, fans must put “patience and belief”, in a “long-term project” with young players who plan to develop, from Kobbie Mainoo to Amad Diallo, Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro, among others.
“I don’t want to say that we need time just because they are young, because they are prepared. They are prepared to deal with the demands of playing for United, because they are here. We know it will take time, and we will try to gain time with the games, but let’s start from day one without fear. They will start with our idea, regardless of everything”, he said.
Praising the stadium, as well as Old Trafford’s restructuring plans, and the Manchester club’s leadership structure, which he considers to have received him very well, he noted the “connection with the people and the club” that he feels is “very important” .
“I think it’s a special club. (…) We need the fans to win games. The stadium is fabulous at the moment, you can feel that there is something there. When Omar Berrada [diretor executivo] He spoke to me, he told me about his plans. It is a great honor for me to have been the first choice to start this path, it is a great responsibility and enthusiasm”, he added.
The 39-year-old Portuguese sees United as “the engine of the Premier League” and it is on him that he intends to base a “team” identity, more than a system or tactical formation.
“The most important thing for me, at this moment, is to create principles, identity and character, which we already had [no clube] in the past. In a word, team. The team is the most important thing for me. If you work as a team, individual talent will shine”, he reflected.
Commitment to the shirt, enjoying football and unity behind a club ideal are other principles that he hopes will guide him and the team.
“Gaining time is winning games, but the most important thing is identity. We are starting this way, we will prepare for the games, but also focus a lot on our game model. How to play, how to press, the small things and the details” , he added.
Manchester United, the team in which Portuguese internationals Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes play, occupies 13th place in the English League, 13 points behind Liverpool, which leads the competition, after playing 11 rounds.
After the dismissal of Dutchman Erik ten Hag, former Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, his compatriot’s assistant, managed three wins and a draw while the Portuguese coach fulfilled his obligations with Sporting, not staying to join his coaching staff. .
Amorim headed to the most important championship in the world after just seven seasons as a coach, on a journey that began at Casa Pia and with Sporting de Braga, before, in 2019/20, arriving at the ‘lions’, in exchange for 10 million euros of the termination clause.
Two national champion titles (2020/21 and 2023/24), three League Cups (2019/20, with Sporting de Braga, 2020/21 and 2021/22) and one Supertaça Cândido Oliveira (2021/22) were enough to convince Manchester United, 20-time English champion and three-time Champions League winner.
The former player is also the second Portuguese to guide the ‘Red Devils’, after José Mourinho (2016-2018), in a period that featured the victory of a Europa League, in a club looking to return to the top after the Alex Ferguson’s 27-year historic legacy.
Amorim’s Ambitious Vision for Manchester United
Well, well, well! Here we go again, folks! Another new manager at Manchester United, and let me tell you—I can already hear the sound of plastic seats creaking under the weight of expectations. Enter Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese who dons the Manchester United cloak much like a superhero who’s just discovered his powers. Or, you know, like a moth drawn to a very bright but somewhat unreliable flame.
A Beautiful Idea!
“I want to say beautiful things… but let’s be honest!” he mused—a sentiment we can all appreciate, especially as we navigate through life with our own careful balance of ambition and reality. It seems our dear Amorim is eager to roll out his “idea”—which, if we are lucky, involves something more glamorous than turning up to Old Trafford with a flimsy whiteboard and some half-baked strategies.
As he embarks on this grand adventure, he asks the fans for “patience and belief.” Lord knows United fans have had enough of that over the years. In fact, ‘patience’ is basically the club’s middle name right now—absolutely nothing screams “believe” like sitting in mid-table, watching Liverpool run away with the league again!
Young Guns and Gritty Goals
Now on to the young players! Amorim has his eyes on a bright batch, including Kobbie Mainoo and, let’s not forget, the dashing Rasmus Hojlund. It’s like he’s collecting Pokémon—“Gotta Coach ‘Em All!”—but can we get a little pep in this “long-term project”? Because we’ve seen those words before, and they taste oddly like leftover fish and chips!
Still, Amorim is optimistic, stating: “They are prepared to deal with the demands of playing for United.” Prepared? In the Premier League, young players not only have to be prepared but also resilient enough not to disappear when they hear the “top 4” chants echoing through Old Trafford!
The Connection with the People
He did go on to lavish praise on Old Trafford and the club’s leadership—clichés abound! But honestly, who could resist mentioning the stadium? It’s fabulous, it’s magnificent; it’s like that royal palace where everybody’s still waiting for the crown to fit. Amorim has found a cozy nest, and while it might feel nice now, being the “first choice” feels a bit like being the first person to sign up for a group project. You may do all the work, but at the end of the day, you’re just as likely to be stuck with your mates trying to figure out who forgot the stapler.
The Identity Debate
“The most important thing for me… is to create principles, identity, and character,” he asserted, like a motivational speaker at a very dramatic conference. But here’s the kicker: isn’t this what every United manager has said since Sir Alex Ferguson tore up the rule book and served it with a side of glory? Principles? Identity? I’m starting to feel like I’ve walked into a career counseling session instead of a press conference.
A Moment of Humility
Let’s have a round of applause for Amorim, though. He knows he’s stepping into a role steeped in history. After all, he is the second Portuguese to guide the “Red Devils” after José Mourinho. The man has had success, yet the bar has been set so high that even a rocket scientist might feel a bit intimidated! Given the current league position, even my grandma could coach them to a better standing, and she thinks VAR is a new bakery!
Final Thoughts
As the team sits in 13th place, and with the knowledge that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the importance of winning games, we’re left hoping for a dash of magic. Can Amorim coax some excitement from an increasingly skeptical set of fans? One must wonder if his idea is just a beautiful wish on a wish list, or if it will transform into a tangible reality on the pitch. Here’s to hoping Old Trafford turns into a theatre of dreams once more—because, let’s be honest, we could all use a little less reality and a lot more magic!
In the end, best of luck, Ruben! Because let’s face it, you’re going to need it!
“I want to communicate beautiful concepts, but I also intend to be exceptionally transparent. There is an idea that will emerge clearly; whether it resonates with fans is yet to be seen. However, that vision will undoubtedly be perceived. It represents a strategic stance as we aim to reach a significant level of achievement. This sentiment will be tangible as we progress. Admittedly, we are only two training sessions into our journey before competing in the world’s foremost league, but I assure you, fans will witness a distinctive idea unfold.”
Amorim, addressing the media, reflected on his experiences during his first week in charge after a successful spell with Portuguese powerhouse Sporting. He spoke enthusiastically of reuniting with former colleagues Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, expressing a strong desire to rebuild and reinvigorate the club’s legacy.
In discussing his vision, Amorim emphasized the necessity for fans to embody “patience and belief” as they embark on a “long-term project” focused on developing talented youths, highlighting promising prospects like Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Leny Yoro among others.
“While I don’t want to suggest that we require time solely because our squad is young, I’m confident they are equipped to handle the high expectations of playing for Manchester United. They have proven themselves to be ready. Although we recognize that building a successful team will take time, we will strive to maximize our growth through competitive matches. We’ll embrace our philosophy from day one with unwavering courage,” he stated.
Praising the historic Old Trafford venue and its ongoing renovation plans, Amorim expressed gratitude for the exceptionally warm welcome he received from the club’s leadership. He stressed the significant bond between the fans and the club, asserting that this connection holds immense importance.
“Manchester United is truly a special club. We greatly need our supporting fans to secure victories. The atmosphere in the stadium is electrifying and unmistakable. During my conversations with Omar Berrada [executive director], he laid out exciting plans for the future, and I feel honored to be chosen as the first option to lead this endeavor. It represents both a significant responsibility and a thrilling opportunity,” he remarked.
The 39-year-old Portuguese coach perceives Manchester United as the “engine of the Premier League,” intending to cultivate a cohesive team identity rather than merely adhering to a specific tactical system or formation.
“At this juncture, my primary focus is to establish core principles, a strong identity, and character reminiscent of what this club has embodied in its glorious history—a true sense of team. The collective is of utmost importance. When we function as a cohesive unit, individual talents naturally emerge and shine,” he reflected thoughtfully.
Amorim firmly believes that dedication to the club’s colors, a passion for the beautiful game, and a unified vision are fundamental principles that will steer both himself and the entire squad toward success.
“Acquiring time equates to winning games; however, the essence lies in our identity. We will initiate this journey by preparing for upcoming matches while placing a significant focus on our gameplay model, including aspects such as pressing strategies, minute details, and overall execution,” he elaborated.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Manchester United, currently finding themselves in a disappointing 13th place in the English League, trails league leaders Liverpool by a notable 13 points after completing 11 matches.
After the sacking of Dutch coach Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, a former striker for the Red Devils and a trusted assistant, secured three wins and one draw during Amorim’s absence, as he honored his previous commitments with Sporting.
Amorim’s ascendance to managing one of the world’s most illustrious leagues comes after a mere seven-season coaching career, which began at Casa Pia and included successful stints at Sporting de Braga before joining Sporting in 2019/20, at the cost of a €10 million termination clause.
His impressive track record includes two national championship titles (2020/21 and 2023/24), three League Cups, and one Supertaça Cândido Oliveira trophy, all of which were pivotal in attracting Manchester United, a club with 20 English titles and three Champions League victories, to his talents.
As the second Portuguese manager to take charge of the Red Devils, following in the footsteps of José Mourinho (2016-2018), Amorim aims to restore Manchester United to its former glory after the legendary tenure of Sir Alex Ferguson, which spanned 27 remarkable years.
What are the key elements Amorim believes are essential for reviving Manchester United’s legacy?
Essential for reviving Manchester United’s historic legacy. He hinted that success isn’t merely about the tactical approaches but rather about instilling a deep-rooted sense of loyalty and understanding among the players—something that has been somewhat elusive in recent years.
He added, “As we move forward, each player needs to feel the heritage of this club. They must understand that when they wear this jersey, they’re representing not just themselves, but the hopes and dreams of millions. The legacy of Manchester United is built on valiance, unity, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.”
Amorim’s aspirations for building a strong, interconnected roster point to a clear understanding of the demands of managing a club of United’s stature. Recognizing the expectations of the supporters, he embraced the gravity of the role, stating, “It won’t always be smooth sailing, but it’s all about perseverance and adaptability. We must cultivate an atmosphere where the young players can flourish while also leveraging the experience of our seasoned professionals.”
In a world where instant gratification is often sought, Amorim is seeking to establish a foundation that might take time to yield dividends. His call for patience resonates deeply, particularly with a fanbase that remembers the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson and holds fiercely onto the dream of reclaiming former greatness.
As the football season progresses, all eyes will be on Amorim. Will he be the catalyst that transforms Manchester United into a formidable force once again, or will his grand vision fade into another chapter of near successes and unfulfilled potential? Only time will reveal if this Portuguese manager can weave together the threads of youthful ambition, experienced leadership, and the unwavering spirit of the club’s rich history into a tapestry of triumph.
Ultimately, he embodies a spirit of optimism and determination as he embarks on this challenge, echoing the sentiments of many great leaders before him: “Let’s create a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit.” With a nod to the history surrounding Old Trafford and the colossal expectations resting on his shoulders, Ruben Amorim takes his first steps—let’s hope he’s ready for the marathon ahead.
