Ruben Amorim officially began his tenure as Manchester United head coach with his first training session at Carrington on Monday. With several players away on international duty, Amorim wasted no time in setting the tone for his coaching philosophy. The Portuguese tactician, brought in to replace Erik ten Hag, has a reputation for his innovative tactics, high-energy training sessions, and ability to unlock the potential of his squad.
Here’s an in-depth look at five key takeaways from Amorim’s inaugural session at Manchester United:
1. Hands-On Coaching Style: Leading from the Front
One of the most striking features of Amorim’s first session was his direct involvement in coaching. Unlike legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who often delegated training to his coaching staff, Amorim was fully immersed, shouting instructions and guiding players through drills.
The 39-year-old’s proactive approach underscores his role as United’s first “head coach” rather than a traditional “manager.” Amorim was seen urging players to pick up the pace during a drill, emphasizing his demand for intensity and efficiency. His hands-on style is likely to resonate with players, offering them a clear understanding of his expectations on and off the pitch.
Up close with the boss ♟️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 19, 2024
Amorim’s involvement highlights his commitment to instilling his tactical philosophy directly, rather than relying on intermediaries, ensuring every player is aligned with his vision.
2. Strong Communication and Motivation
Amorim’s ability to communicate effectively in English was evident throughout the session. He didn’t just rely on words but used his presence and energy to motivate players. His direct approach was seen as he demanded quicker resets during drills, showcasing his attention to detail and unwillingness to compromise on standards.
This attribute will be crucial as he looks to rejuvenate a squad that has struggled with consistency this season. His vocal guidance and clear instructions are likely to build a stronger connection between the players and coaching staff, fostering a cohesive team environment.
3. A Fresh Tactical Identity: Evidence of a Formation Shift
Amorim’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation during his time at Sporting CP seems to be making its way to Manchester United. In his first session, a training game was set up with a back three, signaling a potential tactical overhaul.
Key players were positioned to test this system:
- Leny Yoro played as a right-sided center-back, showcasing his potential as a new signing.
- Jonny Evans occupied the central role, bringing his experience to the heart of the defense.
- Luke Shaw featured as a left-sided center-back, a position he has played effectively for England.
Jonny Evans was part of the back-three in Ruben Amorim’s training session / Visionhaus/GettyImages
This formation promises a more fluid and dynamic style of play, with the potential to enhance United’s defensive solidity while allowing greater flexibility in attack. With the full squad returning after the international break, fans can expect a clearer picture of Amorim’s tactical blueprint.
4. Building from the Back: A Clear Strategy for Goalkeepers
Amorim’s philosophy of playing out from the back was on full display during the session. A passage of play demonstrated his focus on short, precise goal-kicks, starting with goalkeeper Andre Onana.
This approach aligns with modern football’s trend of prioritizing possession-based play over long punts into midfield. Onana’s ball-playing ability was a key reason for his acquisition, and Amorim appears committed to leveraging this strength.
Amorim’s first training sessionpic.twitter.com/1khQVDFEz9
— Becks (@BeckhamsView) November 18, 2024
The training drill emphasized seamless coordination between Onana, defenders, and midfielders, ensuring United can build attacks from deep positions. This style not only suits Onana’s skill set but also aligns with Amorim’s preference for controlling games through possession.
5. A Boost from Returning Players
The session also marked the return of key players who have been sidelined due to injuries:
- Leny Yoro, who suffered a foot injury in pre-season, participated actively, signaling his readiness to contribute after joining from Lille.
- Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, both returning from long-term absences, provided a welcome boost to the squad’s depth and versatility.
Having these players reintegrated into the squad offers Amorim more options as he seeks to establish his tactical system. Shaw’s ability to adapt to the left-sided center-back role and Malacia’s defensive work rate will be valuable assets in the coming weeks.
Amorim’s Challenges and Vision for Manchester United
Amorim’s early days at United indicate a shift in approach, focusing on revitalizing the squad’s morale and implementing a cohesive tactical identity. The Portuguese coach inherits a team in need of direction, and his emphasis on communication, structure, and hands-on coaching suggests a focused plan to rebuild confidence.
His challenge will be to ensure the squad adapts quickly to his demands, particularly with fixtures resuming after the international break. With a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, Amorim has the tools to shape a competitive team.
Looking Ahead
Amorim’s first training session showcased a clear vision and a no-nonsense approach to coaching. His early focus on communication, tactical changes, and individual player roles indicates a proactive strategy to turn United’s season around.
Fans will now eagerly await the first games under Amorim’s leadership to see how his training ground philosophy translates to competitive matches. With high expectations and a rich legacy to uphold, the new head coach appears ready to take Manchester United into a promising new era.
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