Ruben Amorim has stuck to his methods and philosophy throughout his first year as Manchester United head coach.
Despite facing pressure and criticism to change, Ruben Amorim stubbornly stuck to his tactics, and now he is starting to see success in the Premier League.
Manchester United are currently on an unbeaten run of five matches in the top flight, meaning the Red Devils have climbed up to seventh in the table, only two points off third.
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Amorim has changed United’s style of play, and after a tough adaptation period, players are really buying into his philosophy.
In Portugal, Amorim was loved by his players, and he is getting a similar response from the United dressing room.
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRuben Amorim does not do post-match team talks
The story of Amorim smashing a TV in United’s dressing room after a defeat to Brighton has become common knowledge, and it gives an insight into how passionate United’s head coach is behind the scenes.
When he was first appointed, Amorim promised to protect his players, but he has also shown a ruthlessness in terms of clearing out the squad and driving high standards in training.
Amorim has often let his passion show when speaking in press conferences or interviews, such as his offer to resign after the Europa League final. But after a match, it seems he is much more reserved about speaking to his players.
In The Athletic podcast, Mark Critchley gave insight into what Amorim is like behind closed doors.
“I feel like how he handles the players internally, you know the instance of him and the TV thing after the Brighton game, I don’t think that is typical.
“In fact, he doesn’t really speak to the players after games.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave Ruben Amorim his support
Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. That’s where I would be.
“This is quite a departure from most managers. He won’t give a post-match team talk a lot of the time.
“He’ll just review it the day after, once they’re back in at Carrington and they’re going over the video. He is, in that way, I think, sometimes a little bit more standoffish with players than you expect from most managers.”
Man United players are fighting for Ruben Amorim
After losing the Europa League final, Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw supported Amorim and urged fans and everyone at the club to get behind him.
It is no coincidence that two of United’s longest-serving players want to stick with a manager after experiencing years of pressing the reset button.
Amorim wants to stay at United for 20 years, and already in his first year, he is showing signs that he can adapt and grow as a head coach after a poor start.
United fans continue to support Amorim, and the improved results in recent weeks has only strengthened the bond between supporters, players and staff.
Amorim’s honesty and transparency with both fans and players is exactly what was needed.