Ruben Amorim, the newly appointed head coach of Manchester United, has made it clear that his primary focus is on establishing his identity at the club through winning matches. The Portuguese manager, who took over from Erik ten Hag after leaving Sporting CP, shared his vision in his first interview with the Premier League side. He stressed that while building a successful team will take time, the key to accelerating that process is securing victories on the field. "We know that we need time, but we have to win time. To win time is to win games," Amorim explained.
One of Amorim’s central goals is to cultivate a distinctive playing style and tactical approach that reflects his identity as a coach. He emphasized that while preparing the team for each match is important, the most critical aspect is instilling a clear understanding of the team’s style of play and pressing tactics from the very beginning. "You cannot go 100% on every detail because it will be confusing for the players," he noted, underscoring the importance of a balanced approach to training and match preparation. Amorim is determined to ensure that his players grasp the fundamentals of the new system without feeling overwhelmed.
The former Portugal international also addressed the challenge of managing a relatively young squad, stating that age would not be an excuse for a lack of immediate success. "I don’t want to say that we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared," Amorim asserted. He expressed confidence that the players are ready to take on the demands of Manchester United and should embrace the new playing style without hesitation. His leadership aims to foster a sense of confidence and belief within the squad as they adapt to the changes he’s implementing.
Amorim’s appointment marks a significant moment for Manchester United, as he becomes the seventh manager to take charge of the club since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. His first match as manager will be against Ipswich Town on 24 November, a crucial fixture that will set the tone for his tenure. While Amorim acknowledges that building a successful team will be a long-term project, he remains realistic about the immediate expectations. He is focused on laying the foundations for a successful future, starting with the match at Portman Road.
In summary, Ruben Amorim is committed to creating a team that not only wins but also plays with a clear and identifiable style. His emphasis on early victories, tactical clarity, and player preparedness reflects his ambition to quickly establish his identity and meet the high standards expected at Manchester United.
