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Ruben Amorim was appointed by Manchester United to implement a completely new style of play.
After Erik ten Hag was sacked in October, Ineos favoured Ruben Amorim as his successor at Old Trafford.
One of the biggest criticisms of Ten Hag’s time as manager was that he failed to create a clear identity and style of play during his two years in the hot seat.
Since arriving in England, Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his 3-4-2-1 tactics despite facing criticism from outsiders who suggested he should adapt.
Amorim wanted to join United in the summer but he was given an ultimatum by Ineos that it was now or never. After weathering a storm of bad results, there are now signs of progress that United are adapting to Ruben Amorim’s demands.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Christian Eriksen on adapting to Ruben Amorim
Christian Eriksen was Ten Hag’s second-ever signing at United, and the Danish midfielder revealed that conversations with the Dutch manager had a big impact on his decision to sign.
However, it didn’t work out and now Christian Eriksen is having to adapt to Amorim’s demands like the rest of the squad.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund discussed life under Amorim and why it has been tough to adapt.
“When I arrived, obviously with Ten Hag we had a different playing style, we had a different philosophy of playing.
“Now, it’s a different system and we have to adapt to that. Often when you have to do that in a season it’s tougher to turn around as everyone is already in the rhythm of the manager before.
“But yeah at the same time, I do like the manager. I think we’re seeing a progression in the side, people getting more used to the system and the positions we’re playing in.”
Man United’s progress under Ruben Amorim
It didn’t take long for Amorim to want reinforcements at United after he joined as head coach. His 3-4-2-1 system requires specialists that the Red Devils simply do not have – and still don’t.
With nothing left to fight for in the Premier League, Amorim has been busy trying to improve the players that are available to him, and there have been signs of progress.
Joshua Zirkzee has improved under Amorim, while the likes of Amad Diallo has become a key player under the Portuguese coach.
Amorim has put his faith in United’s youth, and while there are still some glaring issues when it comes to scoring goals – the overall performances have improved drastically in recent weeks.
Gary Neville pointed out that no United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson has been able to dominate possession and win matches, but that is something Amorim is trying to fix.
Amorim’s United are starting to control matches but players are still not quite able to translate that into positive results. Time and patience is needed, but the signs are positive.
Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo has hinted at an imminent return for the Red Devils.
Amad hints at imminent return as Man United seek Europa League glory
The Ivory Coast international has been absent since the start of February due to an ankle injury, and it appeared at the time that the forward would be missing for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, Amad has made excellent progress in his recovery of late, with Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim recently revealing that he is well on course to return before the season concludes.
The 22-year-old has now posted a video on his social media account, with a return to the field seemingly imminent.
Amad seemingly on verge of Man United return
Amad has been a standout performer for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring nine times and registering eight assists in 36 appearances in all competitions, including six goals and seven assists in 22 Premier League matches.
The forward’s form led to him being handed a new contract at the start of this year, with his deal now running until June 2030, and he is viewed as a vital part of Amorim’s plans at Man United moving forward.
It is still believed to be unlikely that Amad will be back on the field before the end of April, so he is set to miss the team’s next five matches, but a return at the start of May against Brentford is viewed as a possibility.
No risks will be taken when it comes to the Premier League, as Man United do not have much to play for in the latter stages of their domestic campaign, but he could have a major role when it comes to the Europa League.
Indeed, should the Red Devils manage to navigate their way past Lyon in the quarter-finals of the competition, then the two semi-finals will take place at the start of next month against either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers, with the final then scheduled for May 21.
Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez on February 2, 2025
Which other Man United players are currently injured?
Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, Toby Collyer, Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans are all currently sidelined, with all five missing from the squad that is in France for the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.
However, Kobbie Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday after overcoming a muscular problem, and the midfielder has been named on the bench against Lyon, while fit-again Luke Shaw and Mason Mount are also among the substitutes for the European contest.
Martinez is out for the remainder of the campaign, but Heaven, Collyer and De Ligt are all expected back soon.
Evans’ issue is unclear, but the experienced centre-back is out of contract at the end of June, and he is widely expected to retire from professional football in order to become a coach at Old Trafford.
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