Rúben Amorim, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United, has identified two critical areas of improvement as he takes the reins of the struggling Premier League club. In his first press conference ahead of United's match against Ipswich Town on Sunday, Amorim emphasized the need for better ball retention and enhanced physical effort from his players if the team is to reverse its fortunes.
Addressing the Weaknesses
Amorim inherits a Manchester United side that finds itself in mid-table mediocrity following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag by the club’s hierarchy, led by Ineos. During his initial media appearance, the Portuguese coach did not shy away from candidly addressing the team’s shortcomings.
“We lose the ball too often, and we have to keep the ball,” Amorim stated. “We have to be better at running back. That is clear for everybody.” He further highlighted the importance of improving the physicality of the squad, acknowledging the demanding nature of managing a club of Manchester United’s stature. “I know if you are in United, you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time,” he remarked, signaling his readiness to adapt quickly to the challenges ahead.
The Importance of Ball Retention
In a detailed interview with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, Amorim elaborated on his concerns about United’s tendency to lose possession too frequently. He explained how this flaw disrupts the team’s ability to maintain a high press and control the game.
“The problem is with the ball,” he noted. “We win the ball, we lose the ball, and you cannot press high all the time. You have to keep the ball and understand you need to be in position to start one play. If you don’t lose the ball, you can push higher; if you’re higher, you can press better. It’s like a snowball—everything is connected.”
Belief in the Squad
Despite the challenges, Amorim exuded confidence in the team’s potential and his ability to lead them to success. “I truly believe in the players,” he said, addressing skepticism surrounding the current squad. “I know that you guys don’t believe a lot in these players, but I believe a lot. I think we have room to improve, and I want to try new things. You guys think it’s not possible; I think it’s possible. We will see in the end.”
He also spoke about the magnitude of the job and the support system in place at United. Comparing the club to his former team, Sporting CP, Amorim admitted that the scale of operations at United is significantly larger. “There’s a lot of departments; it’s so much different than Sporting. This is a global club, so there’s so much to do. It’s not just coaching the team, but I have a lot of help and a lot of meetings.”
Looking Ahead
Amorim’s immediate task is to prepare the team for Sunday’s clash against Ipswich Town, where he will aim to set the tone for his tenure. His focus on improving ball retention and physical effort reflects his tactical philosophy and desire to create a more cohesive and resilient unit. As Amorim steps into one of football’s most demanding roles, his belief in the squad and his vision for improvement offer a glimmer of hope for United fans eager to see their team rise to the top once more.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0