Ruben Amorim steps into the role of Manchester United's head coach, igniting expectations. As he reveals his tactics and squad decisions, fans eagerly await the evolution of a new identity for the team.
Ruben Amorim has been appointed as the new head coach of Manchester United, bringing with him high expectations, and his initial matchday squad against a formidable opponent has already generated interest. With only a short period to instill his philosophy in the team following Erik ten Hag's departure, the 39-year-old faced the task of selecting his first starting XI from the players he had trained with most frequently.
The decision has not been without its controversies. The fact that Manuel Ugarte, a much-anticipated summer signing, was left out of the midfield has raised some eyebrows, especially given the Uruguayan's impressive background and potential. Nevertheless, Amorim was swift to explain his reasoning, noting that Ugarte's delayed return from international duty meant there was not enough time to fully incorporate him into the tactical framework he has been establishing.
In an interview with MUTV before the match, Amorim elaborated on his reasoning: “Given the limited time I've had with the players, I've had to concentrate on those who participated in the majority of our training sessions. For instance, we've had more training sessions with Casemiro compared to Ugarte, which influences my decision-making when creating the starting lineup. The players I've spent more time working with are the ones I trust most when selecting the team.”
Although Amorim’s lineup may have surprised some, it is important to recognize that making significant tactical changes in such a brief timeframe is not feasible. As Amorim himself pointed out, he is concentrating on implementing subtle yet meaningful changes rather than completely revamping United’s strategy. 'There won’t be major changes, especially not in just two training sessions,' he stated. 'However, there will be certain details that embody my vision for the team. I hope those will be apparent in our performance.'
Amorim’s ability to effectively manage squad rotation and tactical details, even with time constraints, highlights his growth as a manager. His enthusiasm for the challenges that lie ahead is evident, and although this match marks just the start, it will be pivotal in shaping the team’s direction in the weeks to follow.
For the supporters of United, the anticipation for a fresh tactical approach starts at this moment. It is yet to be determined how these initial choices will impact the team's success under Amorim’s guidance. However, one thing is certain—he aims to make an impact, even if that means introducing changes gradually.