Ex Man Utd coach David Moyes sends a simple message to Ruben Amorim on what he must to succeed
David Moyes says Ruben Amorim should prioritise raising Manchester United players’ work rate as one of his first tasks at Old Trafford.
The 39-year-old tactician is set to take charge of the Red Devils next week, and Moyes has now offered him a piece of advice ahead of his first test against Ipswich Town on 24 November.
The Scottish manager, who led United for 51 matches during the 2013/14 season, acknowledged that Amorim is inheriting a talented group of players but raised concerns over their efforts on the pitch.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Moyes suggested that increasing the work rate of United’s players should be Amorim’s first priority when he arrives at Carrington next week:
“I actually think Manchester United got really, really talented players. But I think the point you made, Jill, about work rate – that would be the first thing.”
Amorim will have nearly two weeks to implement his tactical changes at United during the international break, after managing his final Sporting Lisbon game against Braga this Sunday.
At 39, he will become the youngest Man United manager since the 1960s and joins the club as one of Europe’s most promising coaches.
The former Benfica midfielder has led Sporting to two league titles, in 2021 and 2024, as well as two cup victories, in 2021 and 2022.
United, meanwhile, have just two matches left under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy – a must-win Europa League clash with PAOK on Thursday and a Premier League meeting with Leicester City on Sunday.
The Red Devils will hope to return to winning ways after last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Old Trafford and climb up the league table.
After 10 games, the 20-time Premier League champions sit 13th in the division, with just 12 points and a mere nine goals scored.
Only bottom-five sides Crystal Palace and Southampton have scored fewer this term, with eight and seven goals respectively.
Ruben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon Record (2020-24)
Games
230
Wins
164
Draws
33
Losses
33
Goals scored
511
Goals conceded
200
Points per game
INEOS convinced they can agree deal with 22-y/o ‘superstar’ by January, there’s a ‘real confidence he will sign’
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United fans are eagerly anticipating how their squad will shape up when Ruben Amorim officially takes the reins and implements his new 3-4-3 formation after the international break.
Numerous Reds may have to adapt to new positions in order to cater to the manager’s demands, and we may see some mainstays dropped from the line-up while Amorim ponders the best 11 at his disposal.
In any event, supporters hope that one player, in particular, will be given his chance to shine by being granted increased minutes: Amad Diallo.
His situation has raised eyebrows in recent weeks as, despite beginning the season as one of United’s most threatening attackers, he has not started a Premier League game since September 21 in a stalemate at Selhurst Park.
In the subsequent match, a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Amad made a brief five-minute cameo off the bench before being an unused substitute against both Aston Villa and Brentford.
United faithful left perplexed by Amad’s reduced minutes
It’s remarkable when taking into account that when the 22-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Southampton earlier in the term, he recorded nine touches in the opposition’s box, four ball recoveries, one assist and six chances created – the latter statistic remains the highest amount of chances created by any United player in a league game this campaign, per StatmanDave, making it no surprise he labelled Amad a ‘superstar’ in the making for his exploits.
The Ivorian’s contract is set to expire in June 2025 as things stand, meaning he would be able to open talks with foreign clubs regarding a potential move in January – although United do have the option of activating a one-year extension.
They’re looking to tie him down a lengthier deal, though, and, in a significant boost for INEOS, Amad is keen to stay at Old Trafford even in the midst of his game time conundrum.
Graeme Bailey revealed via FootballTransfers: “Obviously, they’ve been talking since the summer and hope to get it done by January. I think there’s a real confidence he will sign. The club rate him very highly.
“They may take up the option just to get him through until the summer, but they will not be taking the option against Diallo’s wishes. He wants to stay, he wants a new deal, and when you have everybody pulling in the same direction, it does lean towards him signing a new deal.
“Ideally, it would have been done by now, but I don’t think it’ll be a major issue.”
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