As Rúben Amorim takes the reins at Manchester United, the Portuguese manager faces a monumental challenge in restoring the fortunes of the floundering Premier League giants. With the club in disarray on and off the pitch, Amorim will need to act swiftly and decisively to address a range of pressing issues. Here, we examine the six most crucial tasks in his overflowing in-tray.
Solidifying the Defence
Manchester United’s defensive frailties have been laid bare this season, with former manager Erik ten Hag struggling to settle on a consistent centre-back pairing. The £80 million summer signing of Matthijs de Ligt has thus far failed to provide the stability the club craves, while the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf have flattered to deceive. Amorim must quickly determine his preferred combination and instill a sense of organisation and resilience in the backline.
Revamping the Midfield
While teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a bright spot in United’s midfield, question marks remain over the suitability of his partners. The aging Casemiro appears ill-equipped to cope with the Premier League’s relentless pace, while Christian Eriksen, though improved, remains below the elite standard required. Close sources suggest club-record signing Manuel Ugarte has struggled to adapt, but Amorim, who coached the 23-year-old at Sporting, will hope to reignite his potential.
If Amorim can find a way of getting the 23-year-old Ugarte, whom he coached for two seasons at Sporting, and 19-year-old Mainoo to work together, it would help build the foundations for the team.
– A source close to the situation
Firing Up the Attack
United’s toothless attack has been a major source of frustration, with just eight goals in nine Premier League outings. Big-money signings Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have underwhelmed, while Marcus Rashford‘s alarming dip in form has seen him miss out on England’s European Championship squad. Amorim must find a way to reinvigorate his forward line and coax more consistent output from his misfiring stars.
Implementing a Clear Philosophy
Perhaps the most damning indictment of Ten Hag’s tenure was the lack of a discernible playing style, with United often appearing disjointed and devoid of a coherent game plan. Amorim, renowned for his tactical acumen, will be expected to implement a clear philosophy and ensure his players buy into his methods. However, with the team competing on multiple fronts and limited time on the training ground, this will be no easy feat.
Combating the Injury Curse
United’s hopes have been repeatedly undermined by a crippling injury list, with no fewer than 66 separate issues recorded last season – the highest in the Premier League. While some have attributed this to Ten Hag’s intense training regime, others point to simple misfortune. Regardless, Amorim must work closely with the club’s revamped medical department to keep his key players fit and available for the crucial battles ahead.
Restoring Belief
Perhaps the most important task facing Amorim is to restore a sense of belief and unity within the Manchester United dressing room. Too often in recent seasons, the club has appeared riven by internal strife and a lack of cohesion, with players seemingly more concerned with individual agendas than collective success. If Amorim can foster a renewed team spirit and instill a winning mentality, United’s talented squad may finally begin to fulfill its vast potential.
As Rúben Amorim embarks on his Old Trafford odyssey, he does so with eyes wide open to the scale of the challenge ahead. Yet for all the obstacles in his path, the Portuguese possesses the tactical intellect, force of personality, and strength of character to haul Manchester United out of the doldrums. If he can navigate the treacherous waters of his in-tray and chart a course to calmer seas, Amorim may just prove the transformative force the Red Devils so desperately need.
