Ruben Amorim, the newly-appointed manager of Manchester United, has set the tone early in his tenure, insisting that his team has “no excuses” not to beat Everton in their upcoming Premier League clash on Sunday. Despite the Red Devils playing two matches in the span of just five days, Amorim remains adamant that securing three points against the Toffees is non-negotiable.
Amorim Refuses to Blame Fixture Congestion
Manchester United’s hectic schedule, which saw them face off against Ipswich Town and Bodo/Glimt in quick succession, has left Amorim with limited time to prepare his squad for the crucial encounter with Everton. However, the Portuguese tactician refuses to let the compressed fixture list serve as a justification for a subpar performance.
“It is what it is,” Amorim stated firmly. “We will rotate players and we will be ready. [Against Bodo/Glimt] we have to use four subs to manage the fitness, not the game. We manage the fitness.”
– Ruben Amorim, Manchester United Manager
The 37-year-old manager’s unwavering stance sends a clear message to his players: fatigue will not be tolerated as an excuse for dropping points. Amorim’s expectation is simple – Manchester United must emerge victorious at Old Trafford, regardless of the challenges posed by their congested schedule.
Implementing a New Tactical Approach
Compounding the pressure on Amorim and his team is the fact that the manager is still in the process of implementing his preferred 3-4-3 formation. The new system requires the players to absorb and execute fresh tactical instructions, adding another layer of complexity to their preparation for the Everton clash.
Furthermore, Amorim has expressed his desire for the squad to improve their overall fitness levels. However, he concedes that achieving this mid-season is a daunting task, given the limited time available between matches.
“Everyone has a job in the staff and they are more important maybe than me,” Amorim explained. “We do it like walking — and jogging — it’s a way to do it. Showing some video. Videos more than 12 minutes? Forget! Because of concentration.”
– Ruben Amorim on improving squad fitness
Despite the challenges, Amorim remains confident in his players’ abilities and their capacity to adapt to his methods. His faith in the squad’s talent is evident, as he added, “They are very good players, they need to believe and we will show individual stuff. Team stuff. And if you cannot run, you can jog.”
The Pressure is on at Old Trafford
As Sunday’s encounter with Everton looms, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting on Amorim and his Manchester United side. The Toffees, led by the experienced Sean Dyche, will have had a full week to prepare for their trip to Old Trafford, a luxury not afforded to the Red Devils.
However, Amorim’s unwavering belief in his team’s ability to secure a positive result, despite the obstacles they face, is a testament to his leadership and the high standards he has set for the club. As the Premier League season enters its crucial final stages, Manchester United’s ability to navigate this challenging period and emerge victorious could well define their campaign under their new manager.
The eyes of the footballing world will be fixed on Old Trafford come Sunday, as Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United look to prove that they are capable of rising to the occasion, no matter the circumstances. With a manager who refuses to accept excuses, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could have far-reaching implications for both clubs’ aspirations this season.
