Amorim Lays Down the Law as Manchester United Rebuild Begins
As Manchester United prepares for its pre-season tour of Asia, new head coach Rúben Amorim has sent a clear and uncompromising message: change is coming—and it won’t be painless.
Following a disastrous season that saw United finish 15th in the Premier League and miss out on Europe, Amorim—who replaced Erik ten Hag in late 2024—has made it clear that only hard work and unity will spark a revival. Struggling to implement his preferred 3-4-3 system amid injuries to key players like Lisandro Martínez and Diogo Dalot, Amorim saw the season end in disappointment with a Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
He hasn’t held back in his criticism either, once describing the team as “perhaps the worst in the club’s history,” a comment he later clarified was part of his self-evaluation.
Actions have already followed words: Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were dropped from the Manchester derby due to lackluster training performances, highlighting Amorim’s no-nonsense approach.
This summer’s training at Carrington will be pivotal. Amorim’s tactical style demands high energy, focus, and discipline—qualities United lacked last season. The team’s creativity dipped, and defensive vulnerabilities remained, with André Onana’s risky distribution and a slow back line often exposed.
Amorim is eyeing major signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and is open to letting go of Rashford, Casemiro, or even Garnacho to reshape the squad. Youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and academy players Sekou Koné and Godwill Kukonki may also step into larger roles.
With fewer fixtures ahead, Amorim plans to instill strict discipline, boost fitness, and improve set-piece execution. His hardline stance has drawn mixed reactions from players but admiration from former staff, who praise his balance of firmness and empathy—evident when he bought Europa League final tickets for club staff.
Friendlies in Malaysia, the U.S., and Asia will test the squad—especially recent signings Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, whose fitness is a concern.
Fans are running out of patience, and Amorim knows the stakes. His philosophy of honesty, hard work, and accountability could either lead to a revival or clash with a fragile squad.
Whether his tenure succeeds or falters, one thing is certain: Amorim is demanding that everyone suffer now, so they can rise later.
