Ruben Amorim’s primary focus as the new Manchester United manager is to establish a sense of unity and culture within the team, with the goal of showcasing the early stages of a new identity when the Red Devils face Ipswich Town next Sunday.
The 39-year-old Portuguese coach—nicknamed “The Poet” by compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo—is tasked with reviving a struggling side currently sitting 14th in the Premier League following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last month.
Setting a New Standard
Speaking to Manchester United’s official media on Friday, Amorim outlined his vision:
“I want to say beautiful things to you, but I’m really honest. What I can say is that you will see an idea. You might like it or not, but you will see an idea. You will see positioning. You will see something—something that shows what we want to achieve.”
Despite having only two training sessions with the team before matches resume after the international break, Amorim emphasized the importance of instilling culture and character over tactical specifics.
“A lot of people talk about 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 and all that stuff. But when I think of Manchester United, it’s not about formations. It’s about the character of the players, the way they perceive the club. That’s what we need to focus on before anything else—before the pressing, before the tactics.
“The priority now is creating principles, identity, and the character that defined this club in the past.”
A Charismatic Leader
Amorim’s charisma and emotional connection with players have already been noted, with United captain Bruno Fernandes highlighting the strong bond Amorim fostered at Sporting. The outpouring of emotion from his former players when he announced his departure reflected his ability to inspire and connect.
“It’s a funny thing because I like to speak—not too much—but when I speak, I think I speak from the heart,” Amorim said.
Hungry for Success
Amorim admitted he was drawn to Manchester United because of its passionate fanbase and rich history.
“I feel this is the place I want to be because the people here are hungry for success. You can sense the potential to be part of something special. The club’s history is a big reason for taking the job.”
Amorim arrives at United after a highly successful spell at Sporting Lisbon, where he ended a 20-year title drought with league championships in 2021 and 2024. His final match in charge marked an 11th consecutive win, putting Sporting on course for their first back-to-back league titles since the 1950s.
Key Fixtures Ahead
Amorim’s first match at Old Trafford will be against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on November 28, followed by a crucial home Premier League clash with Everton on December 1. As Amorim looks to imprint his identity, fans and players alike are hopeful for a revitalized Manchester United.
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