Ruben Amorim: The Man for the Long Term
Ruben Amorim is steadfast in his belief that he remains the ideal candidate to lead Manchester United through a period of turmoil and back to the top of the Premier League. Despite the mounting pressure and a string of disappointing results, the Portuguese manager is confident in his vision for the club. On Sunday, United suffered their tenth defeat in just 24 games under Amorim, this time at the hands of Fulham in the FA Cup, which has left the team languishing in 14th place and facing the prospect of their worst-ever Premier League finish. Nevertheless, Amorim remains resolute, stating, "That is clear, I know what to do. But sometimes there’s a lack of results. So I know the consequences when you don’t win games." His unwavering confidence, even if tinged with frustration, underscores his commitment to the long-term goals of the club.
Training and Focus on the Europa League
The team has been diligently training ahead of their crucial Europa League clash with Real Sociedad. This match represents one of United’s last hopes for silverware this season, and Amorim is acutely aware of the importance of a positive result. "I am really confident since day one. A little bit more frustrated now — but I am still confident," he affirmed. The Portuguese manager is trying to maintain a positive outlook and rally the players around the broader vision of the club. "I’m really confident on the big goal of this club. I’m trying to show the big picture to our supporters," he added. The focus is clear: a strong performance in the Europa League could provide a much-needed boost to morale and help salvage what has been a tumultuous campaign.
The System and the Way of Playing
Amorim’s tactical approach, particularly his favored 3-4-3 formation, has come under scrutiny. Many have questioned whether this system is the right fit for the current squad, but the manager is not budging on his vision. "The system is not the problem, it’s the way of playing," he declared. Amorim has been consistent in his approach, emphasizing that his idea of football is rooted in a specific style of play. "I was always really clear. I have one idea. I am still really confident because I have an idea how to play football. I will not change that, no matter what. And I’m not talking about the system, it’s the way I see football. We are going to do it. Or not, we’ll see," he insisted. This unwavering commitment to his philosophy, despite the current challenges, speaks to his resolve and belief in the long-term potential of his methods.
Managing Injuries and Ensuring Squad Health
One of the significant hurdles Amorim faces is the injury list. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte, both key players, will miss the first leg against Real Sociedad due to minor injuries. Maguire was substituted after 90 minutes in the penalty shootout against Fulham, while Ugarte was withdrawn in the second half with a knock. Amorim explained, "They are small things, so we are being careful with them because in this moment we cannot allow us to lose more players for a long time. So we are taking care of them in Carrington, and they cannot play this game because it will be a greater risk." Ensuring the health and fitness of the squad is paramount, especially with the demanding fixtures that lie ahead.
The Travelling Squad for Real Sociedad
Manchester United has assembled a 18-man squad to face Real Sociedad in the upcoming Europa League match. The goalkeepers include Andre Onana, Dermot Mee, and Elyh Harrison. Defenders making the journey are Harry Amass, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Victor Lindelof, Noussair Mazraoui, and Leny Yoro. The midfielders are Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes. In the forwards, Amorim can call upon Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, and Joshua Zirkzee. This lineup reflects a mix of experienced players and young talent, a blend that Amorim hopes will provide the balance needed to secure a positive result in Spain.
A Time of Trials and Hope
The current season has been a difficult one for Manchester United, with numerous setbacks and a sharp decline in form. However, Amorim’s unwavering belief in his methods and the club’s vision offers a glimmer of hope. The Europa League remains a critical battleground, and a strong showing against Real Sociedad could be a turning point. Amorim’s approach, while criticized, is not without merit, and his determination to see his ideas through is commendable. The challenge now is to translate this confidence and vision into results on the pitch. For the Red Devils and their supporters, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the team and the manager’s future at Old Trafford.
