Amorim to Shake Things Up
Ruben Amorim has had four matches with Manchester United to help bring back hope and inspiration to Old Trafford. Fortunately, despite all the odds, it appears that the new manager has done exactly that.
His opening two matches, a 1-1 draw away to Ipswich and a 3-2 home debut against Bodo/Glimt, were a nervy meet-cute for our new manager. In his third game, a 4-0 win against Everton, was the first real taste of what the Portuguese is going to bring to this squad. Meanwhile, the 2-0 loss to Arsenal, served as a reminder of how much work Amorim has ahead of him.
What little we have seen of Amorim so far suggests that he has hit the ground running at Carrington. The players already appear to have an understanding of the tactics and formation Amorim wants. Meanwhile, he has been very direct and open with the press. He has clearly defined what his goals are at Old Trafford, what the team is currently lacking, and what his plan is going forward for the players.
One of the few things that he has repeated several times that I really love to hear from a manager is, that it will take time to get Manchester United back to the top. But, winning matches is the only thing that wins time.
He has a profound appreciation for the fact that he needs to start improving the squad and performances immediately. However, he has leveled expectations by acknowledging that this team was built for a different system. His job right now is to assess who can adapt to his new approach and who will be in the shop window this summer.
What Amorim’s Tactics Mean for the Players
Amorim has also made it abundantly clear that he has a method and a style of play which he has no intention of changing. He has repeatedly stated that it is his belief in his methods that have made him successful, and led him to the United hotseat. He is a man that stands by his philosophies and is uncompromising with what he expects from his players.
His team first, tactical approach means that a lot of ego’s are going to be hurt, and whomever cant find the humility to fit into the new managers approach will summarily be left behind.
First and foremost, Amorim has publicly identified three problems that need immediate addressing. The players fitness isn’t where it needs to be for his tactics. The squad as a whole, lose the ball to easily. And the players haven’t been tracking back fast enough.
According to the new boss, once the players are fitter, and everyone is working as a unit, those problems should naturally resolve, regardless of what players are in the starting eleven.
The new manager has also expressed his desire to nurture the younger players. He wants to develop youth talents, rather than focus on embracing the rigidity of masterminding the perfect tactics for a roster of established players.
In short, when a new manager arrives, imposes new tactics, new demands on the players, calls out their fitness and workrate publically, and pledges a commitment to youth development, the question then begs, who stays and who goes at Carrington?
Who Will Thrive Under Ruben Amorim?
The boss has expressed a desire to work with youth, players who work hard, and players with a strong mentality.
Immediately, my mind goes to Onana, Mazraoui, de Ligt, Martinez, Yoro, Mount, Ugarte, Mainoo, Hojlund, Amad, Garnacho. All of these players were taylor made for Ruben Amorim. They are all extremely smart, hardworking and talented players. They have also all proven they can be flexible with regards to positioning and tactics. what’s more, all of them have shown they can perform at the top level.
Disappointingly, Manchester United are skating dangerously close to violating financial fair play laws. Meaning, our spending power in the upcoming windows is entirely dictated by our selling potential.
United’s financial situation further suggests that despite their persistent injury issues, it is hard to see Malacia and Shaw departing in the next two windows, if only for necessity. Dalot will also likely stay. Despite his flaws, he is hard working, young, Portuguese (like the manager) and he is the only true wingback United has. Though I also think United will not hesitate replacing all three given a good opportunity.
Zirkzee will also likely stay. His two goals and hold up play against Everton were proof of his attributes. And as surprised as I am to admit it, he was missed against Arsenal. He can easily play as one of the two number 10’s or as a backup number 9. And, If he can get fit, he could be just different enough to United’s other number 9 and 10 options that he could find regular minutes. Dare I say, he has the potential to become the new Marouane Fellaini.
Youth Players
Despite Amorim’s pledge to boost youth development at Carrington, Manchester United have some of the best youth prospects in Britain.
Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley have already been elevated to the first team. Meanwhile, Sekou Kone, Chido Obi-Martin, Finley McAllister, Shea Lacey, Bendito Mantato, Ethan Williams and Jack Fletcher have all been tipped to shine in the coming seasons.
Obi-Martin and Kone in particular look like they could very well become the next great generational talents. The season is not even half over and Obi-Martin has already broken Mason Greenwood’s record for most goals scored in the U18 Premier League in a single season. I also challenge anyone to look at the highlight reels of Fletcher and Mantato and not be thoroughly impressed.
For now, I think that most of the youth players at Carrington are not in danger of being sold. There are too many of the U18’s and U21’s that look immensely talented. Amorim will want time to see how they develop under his methods.
Manchester United have an unparalleled history of promoting youth. A heritage that will have been in the forefront of thinking for the United front office when hiring Amorim.With so much talent at the United academy, and a manager that likes to focus on developing young players, this could be a match made in heaven.
It should also be pointed out that if Amorim can nurture even one or two of these rising stars, it could save United tens of millions of dollars in future recruitment.
Who Will Flounder Under Ruben Amorim?
Despite being good servants to the club, Lindelof, Maguire, Evans, Eriksen, and Casemiro lack the pace and fitness to run as much as Amorim has said he will demand. They are also all at an age where they are set in the players they are. Essentially, they lack the moldability a young, new manager requires to be successful.
As long as they buy in to Amorim’s tactics and philosophy, there is no doubt they can all still be useful players. However, if I am the new manager, they are first on my list of players to sell. I seriously doubt that any of them will play a prominent role beyond this season at Old Trafford.
Casemiro may be the only player that has a chance to stay. His is a standout leader in the dressing room and his experience could prove vital. Meanwhile he and Ugarte are our only number 6s. If either is sold, it cannot be without having a replacement lined up. What may buy Casemiro more time at United is the fact that his position won’t be a priority for the recruitment team in the next two windows.
Also on this list for me is Antony. the Brazilian is a one trick pony and was a huge waste of money. He is no doubt a technically gifted player, who can go on to have a successful career. But my impression so far is that he is not good enough for United’s level. Not to mention his price tag will always undercut his performances. Sadly, I do not see him endearing himself to United fans enough to justify keeping him.
Marcus Rashford
It pains me to say, but Marcus Rashford is also on this list for me. On his day he is unplayable. I also have profound respect for his philanthropy and love of Manchester United. He is an academy lad, and by all counts a Red Devil through and through.
However, his inability to maintain consistency suggests that he lacks the right mentality. And his extracurricular activities are, at times, unbecoming of a United player.
Regardless of his minor resurgence under Amorim, 3 goals in 4 matches, his goals distort his overall performance.
He simply isn’t a good number 9. In addition to not pressing, he doesn’t know how to run the passing lanes in the center of the park. He lacks the physicality to play against aggressive defenders. And he is so uncomfortable through the middle he frequently drifts wide, leaving United without a central presence in the box.
Adding to his inflexibility. Rashy can’t play wingback. He rarely tracks back with intent, doesn’t tackle, and is out of energy by the 60th minute. Further complicating Amorim’s decision, Marcus also lacks the passing, vision and creativity to be a 10.
Rashford is like Richard Petty, the NASCAR racer. He is fast and brave, dominating when he wants to be, not afraid to take on another driver, and really good at making left hand turns all day (metaphorically speaking). But that approach it too restrictive under Amorim. United need a team of Dakar racers like Stéphane Peterhansel . Players that, work hard, don’t break down, are multifaceted, and can perform anywhere on the pitch.
What’s more, he is now 27. At his age, he is significantly less moldable. Meanwhile, United are running out of time to get top dollar for him, should he be sold.
Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Amorim
Bruno Fernandes is, in one word, elite. He has an elite mentality and elite skill levels. He works extremely hard on and off the pitch. The other players in the dressing room respect him. He can run for days. He presses and tracks back. His passing range and goal scoring ability are other worldly. He is always fit. And he is a true leader.
There simply isn’t a team on this planet that would not be made better with Bruno Fernandes in the starting line up. However, as good as he is, there are several valid question marks around his roll under Amorim.
As a captain he has two major flaws. First, his passion on the field can be construed as overly aggressive, even towards his own players. And he can at times come off as arrogant and controlling on the pitch. Second, assuming the responsibilities of captain and being a team player, have put a dampener on his natural instincts, and as a result his productivity has plummeted since assuming the armband.
Not all elite players are elite leaders and right now United need an elite leader. The problem with selling Bruno is, in my opinion, not down to his skills and experience. It is because there is no one in this team worthy of stepping into his shoes. Meanwhile Ole taught United the hard way with Harry Maguire, what happens when you buy a player and immediately make him captain.
When the dust settles under the new manager, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bruno depart the club. But I also can’t say I would be surprised to see him stay for at least another season while Amorim assesses the established leadership structure within the squad.
Though Time are Ahead
I recognize that most of this analysis is nothing more than the rambling opinions of an unadulterated Manchester United muppet. However, if the last 10 months are at all indicative of the revolution going on at United, there is no denying that this team is going to see a lot of change in the coming 8-24 months.
Even before the INEOS team arrived, it was clear how much change was needed at Old Trafford to re-establish the Red Devils as one of the worlds elite football clubs. United arguably needed a new owner, new front office, new medical team, new sports analytics team, new recruitment team, new stadium and training facilities, a new manager and coaches, and a host of new players.
So far, the only one of those transitions yet to take place is with the players.
That much change is always likely to send a shockwave of consternation through the club and fanbase. Amorim himself has even reiterated in several interviews that our club us headed for tough times as he and the front office attempt to redefine and invigorate the squad.
All accounts vehemently state that the current amalgamation of United players is likely to see a huge turnover in the next two to four transfer windows.
The only questions that remain are; how dark will the night get for Untied before we see dawn? Who will still be standing when the dust settles? And will Ruben Amorim be given the grace of time, like Mikel Arteta has been given at Arsenal? Or will our new manager be undercut by premadonna players and impulsive impatient executives like his predecessors?…
Glory, Glory Man United!
Be the first to comment