Does Ruben Amorim have what it takes to turn things around at Manchester United?

Three games into Ruben Amorim's Manchester United career, here's a look at what the future holds for the Red Devils.

Does Ruben Amorim have what it takes to turn things around at Manchester United?

Ruben Amorim has denied talking with Manchester City prior to taking the United job (Via X/@ManUtd)

Manchester United made easy work of opponents Everton as the two sides met on Sunday at Old Trafford. 4-0 read the final score as both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee scored braces.

The new manager Ruben Amorim has thrilled the home crowd with an impressive victory. However, there still remains the question of whether the Portuguese’s methods will stand the test of time. 

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As things stand, the club is in ninth position and has 19 points to show from 13 games. While Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal are relatively battling it out for top spot, United has problems of its own. The biggest question remains – is a spot in the top four possible?  

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Can Amorim make do with(out) his main men?

To begin with, the manager has to sort out a suspension problem. After the resounding win, Amorim received a reality check when yellow cards came flying at his players. The impending suspensions will take away two of his starters for the upcoming clash against Arsenal.

Bruno Fernandes vs Everton
Bruno Fernandes had two assists in the first half (Via X/@ManUtd)

Both Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez picked up yellow cards against Everton, thereby reaching the threshold of five cautions. Additionally, Bruno Fernandes left the game in the 66th minute and had an ice pack on his ankle. Despite the unfortunate suspensions and injury scares, Amorim has found ways to make his best players tick. 

For starters, Bruno Fernandes picked up two assists within 41 minutes. Moreover, Joshua Zirkzee, who hadn’t scored in his last 18 appearances for the club grabbed an emphatic brace. Zirkzee’s apparent ‘lack of pace’ didn’t matter as Fernandes put it on a plate for the Dutchman. 

Can the players respond to Amorim’s demands?

Ever since Ruben Amorim has been linked to United, fans beleived that the manager will instill a level of passion and dedication at the club like no other. Mentality and belief were core themes about his style of play in his initial interviews. His preferred 3-4-3 style stood out the most for fans. 

Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee
Both Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee scored twice in the 4-0 win (Via X/@ManUtd)

Amorim demands a lot from his stars and has made no effort to conceal his frustration when they fail to do so. This was exemplified in the win over Everton as he was seen shouting angrily at some of his players, including the goal scorer Joshua Zirkzee.

Moreover, the forward’s second goal of the night came directly as a result of a high press from Amad Diallo, which caught Everton’s back line by surprise. When Amorim speaks about physicality, it is not just the work-rate and aerobic capacity that he refers to.

In fact, the manager is more focused on changing the mindset of his squad. He wants to inculcate a hunger to win the ball back once lost, to act collectively in switching from defense to attack and vice versa. 

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What makes Ruben Amorim different?

As evident from Amorim’s recent interviews and interactions with the press is the fact that he ‘always’ speaks highly of his players. The 39-year-old is dedicated to highlighting his players’ strengths, while also giving room for constructive criticism.

Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag
Ruben Amorim has stood out with the way he treats his players (Via Premier League & X/@ManUtd)

Fans have reacted positively to the manager’s behavior as they contrasted it with that of former boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman and Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho had a difference of opinion, with the latter calling out the boss for ‘throwing him under the bus’.

Sancho was immediately isolated from the first-team, after which he was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea. Fans have also called out Ten Hag for his ‘unfair’ treatment of Amad Diallo, who is seemingly thriving in Amorim’s system.

Transfers will be key

With the winter transfer window fast approaching, it remains to be seen who Amorim will bring in. Even though the former Sporting CP boss has ruled out signing a player from his former club (Viktor Gyokeres), there are many tempting options in the market.

Ederson Atalanta
United have been linked with Ederson of Atalanta as a replacement for Manuel Urgate as a ‘6’ (Via Get Italian Football News)

With Amad becoming a revelation for United on the right wing, the club may shift its attention to a midfielder. Despite signing from Paris Saint-Germain last season, Manuel Ugarte hasn’t impressed so far. The likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are in their thirties now and may not play in the club for a long time.

Brazilian midfielder Ederson of Atalanta has been a popular name amongst United fans, with Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport also linking him to the club. What the team intends to do in the January transfer window remains unknown at the moment.

What next for Amorim’s Reds?

Following the emphatic victory over The Toffees, United now have to maintain its winning form in a difficult game against Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal. The Gunners are on the back of a 5-2 victory over West Ham United, with main man Bukayo Saka in top form.

A win against Arsenal will take United to 22 points, within reach of the top four. Even though three games in charge remains too soon to judge Amorim’s credibility, early signs point to a club that has put on a new look ever since he took charge.