Ruben Amorim’s term of office at Manchester United has officially begun. The Red Devils’ new head coach is aware of the challenge ahead, but is confident about the future.
It was not the first time that Ruben Amorim had been to Old Trafford, when he met with the Red Devils’ media team for the first interview after taking office on the stadium’s pitch. In the 2011/12 and 2012/13 Champions League seasons, the Portuguese had played there as a player for both Benfica (2:2) and Braga (2:3), without winning either game. Now Amorim was entering the United home ground for the first time in the service of the English record champions.
“It’s a real honor to be here”
“When you see it on TV, you know it’s big and impressive. But when you’re here, you can feel it. And I think you can feel the history,” Amorim was fascinated by Old Trafford, whose future remains unclear. ‘Really, really proud’ of being ‘Man Utd manager.’ It’s a real honor to be here.”
Amorim does not feel any great tension or nervousness – “maybe because it’s not a match day. Because then I’m a different person. But I really don’t feel the weight.” Rather, the successor to Erik ten Hag feels he is where he belongs.
Tense situation as an opportunity?
He cites his “connection with the club”, which he felt as early as the decision-making process, as the reason for his move to the north-west of England. Another “key factor” was the exchange with the United management, whose ideas coincided with his own.
“The second point is the history of this club. And also the moment.” Despite – or perhaps because of – the current disappointing 13th place in the Premier League, Amorim believes ”that all people strive for success. And I have the feeling that this is the place I want to be because you can be part of something special, not just one more.” After all, this is also in line with his philosophy, because: ‘The team is the most important thing for me.’
Tactical question at United: Amorim has ‘an idea’
When asked whether the coach will stick to his preferred 3-4-3 formation in Manchester, he does not reveal any secrets at this stage. However, he can guarantee in advance that “an idea” will be recognizable. “You may or may not like it, I don’t know, but you will see an idea,” says Amorim.
The first time this idea should become visible at best on November 24, when an away game at Ipswich Town is on the program. His debut on the sidelines at Old Trafford, the new head coach celebrates in turn four days later in the Europa League against Bodö / Glimt. Then, from a personal point of view, it should finally work with the first victory in the stadium of the Red Devils.