Ruben Amorim secured his inaugural triumph as Manchester United’s manager with a 3-2 comeback against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday. Despite the win, the Portuguese coach openly admitted feeling “anxious” and “nervous.” The Norwegian side had taken a 2-1 lead in the first half, intensifying the pressure on Amorim.
“I get anxious because I don’t know what will happen — you don’t control nothing at the moment — we are trying to see different things,” Amorim shared during an interview with TNT Sports. This candid admission highlights the uncertainty he faces as he molds his new squad.
Team Changes Signal New Direction
Amorim has been proactive in reshaping the team since taking over. In his first game against Ipswich, he made six substitutions, introducing players like Lisandro Martínez, Tyrell Malacia, and Rasmus Højlund. This shake-up indicates his commitment to implementing his vision, even if it means short-term instability.
The adjustments didn’t stop with his first match. Against Bodo/Glimt, Amorim made strategic changes to enhance the team’s performance. Here’s a quick look at his recent lineup changes:
| Player In | Position | Previous Club |
|---|---|---|
| Lisandro Martínez | Defender | Ajax |
| Tyrell Malacia | Defender | Feyenoord |
| Antony | Winger | Ajax |
| Manuel Ugarte | Midfielder | Sporting CP |
| Mason Mount | Midfielder | Chelsea |
| Rasmus Højlund | Forward | Atalanta |
These moves are part of his broader strategy to infuse fresh talent and energy into the squad.
Players Struggle to Adapt
Adapting to Amorim’s tactics has been a challenge for the players. The transition period is evident as some key players, like Rasmus Højlund, show signs of fatigue. Amorim mentioned, “I felt Rasmus Højlund was dead. I felt some players were tired.” This struggle is not uncommon when a new manager brings a different playing style.
Amorim is aware that the team needs time to gel. “We are trying to see different things,” he stated, emphasizing the experimental phase the team is undergoing. The players’ ability to embrace these changes will be crucial for their success in upcoming matches.
Upcoming Challenges and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Manchester United faces Everton in the Premier League on Sunday. Amorim anticipates needing to make further adjustments to tackle the challenge. “We will have to change players [against Everton]. We tried to press all the time and the last 10 minutes it was tough,” he explained.
The match against Everton is a significant test of Amorim’s strategies and the team’s adaptability. Ensuring the squad remains cohesive despite the ongoing changes is a top priority for the coach.
Key Points Ahead of the Everton Clash:
- Continued player rotation to manage fatigue
- Focus on defensive solidity to counter Everton’s attacks
- Enhancing team cohesion through consistent training sessions
Amorim’s ability to navigate these upcoming challenges will determine the long-term success of his tenure at Manchester United.
