Ruben Amorim’s lengthy to-do list to lift morale at Manchester United
The ex-Portugal international takes charge of a goal-shy team that’s desperate for a turnaround in fortunes
RUBEN Amorim is the latest man to step into the Old Trafford hot seat to try and restore Manchester United’s former glories.
After much speculation about his appointment, the former Portugal international will officially take charge from Monday (Nov 11) after he brings to an end a highly successful spell at Sporting Lisbon.
The 39-year-old becomes United’s sixth permanent appointment at Old Trafford since legendary former boss Alex Ferguson retired more than a decade ago in 2013.
In the 11 years since, the Red Devils have failed to even compete to win the English Premier League or Champions League.
This season, United are off to their worst ever start in England’s top division with a paltry 12 points from 10 games. They currently lie in 13th position, below the likes of Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Brentford.
Even in European football’s second tier competition, the Red Devils have struggled this season.
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They drew their opening three Europa League fixtures, before finally defeating Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki 2-0 on Thursday to register their first win in a European competition in 380 days.
United’s interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has stayed unbeaten ever since he took over from Erik ten Hag. Apart from the win over PAOK, he oversaw an impressive 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend. He will take charge of his final match on Sunday, when Leicester are again the visitors to Old Trafford.
Here are some of the many challenges that Amorim must tackle once he arrives in Manchester:
Impose his style
Two trophies in his two full seasons in charge was not enough to save ten Hag from the axe, as there was no reason to believe the Dutchman was capable of reversing a shocking run of results.
Even when he did score impressive wins over the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City during his stint, ten Hag relied on moments of individual brilliance from an expensively assembled squad rather than imposing a clear style of play.
Amorim has earned his ticket to the EPL after transforming the fortunes of Sporting over the past four years.
His brand of attacking and energetic football saw Sporting finally step out of the shadow of Benfica and Porto to win the Portuguese league twice after a 19-year wait.
Amorim‘s preferred 3-4-3 formation could also suit the players at his disposal.
But he will have precious little time on the training ground to impose his philosophy as United face a gruelling run of 12 games between Nov 24 and Jan 5.
Awaken the United ‘graveyard’
United’s fall from grace has come despite continuing to spend colossal sums on transfer fees and wages.
Over £600 million (S$1.03 billion) was spent over Ten Hag’s five transfer windows alone on new signings but very few have proved value for money.
David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were also chewed up and spat out by the pressures of managing United since Ferguson’s departure.
“Every manager that comes to Manchester United, we start to think they are the problem at a certain point,” said former United captain Gary Neville.
“Players bought for £50 million, £60 million, £70 million – even though other clubs want these players on the way in and they chose Manchester United – and it ends up being a graveyard for them.”
Amorim will have a greater pool of talent to work with than he did at Sporting. But getting the best out of those resources will be the key to his success.
Bring back the belief
United fans have been beaten down by not only their own struggles in recent years but by watching rivals Manchester City and Liverpool take over as the dominant forces in England and Europe.
Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was. Liverpool and Tottenham cruised to 3-0 victories in September, while Brighton, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Fulham all won there last season.
Amorim has to energise the frustrated crowd to give them cause to believe that this time, managerial change will provide the answer.
United captain Bruno Fernandes witnessed his new boss do just that as his former club and is hoping he can make a similar impact.
“I am a big fan of Sporting and watch a lot of their games. Ruben Amorim brought the excitement back to the club,” said Fernandes. “He transformed everything and brought everyone together.” AFP
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