On this day last year, Ruben Amorim arrived in England to take charge of Manchester United, and his first 12 months have been anything but quiet. From tense dressing room moments to tactical overhauls and renewed optimism, Amorim’s reign has been defined by his uncompromising style and determination to restore discipline at Old Trafford.
When Amorim was appointed in November 2024, United were in turmoil. Erik ten Hag’s final weeks had been marked by dressing room unrest and poor form. After a 3–3 Europa League draw at Porto, senior players like Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot openly clashed with Ten Hag’s criticism, signaling a breaking point for the Dutchman.
Just weeks later, United’s leadership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, met in London to begin the search for a successor. Amorim, then managing Sporting Lisbon, quickly emerged as the top choice and by late October, the deal was sealed.
Those expecting a gentler touch from Amorim were mistaken. Known for his fiery honesty and vivid metaphors earning him the nickname “The Poet” from Cristiano Ronaldo, Amorim has proven as demanding as his predecessor.
At the end of last season, he publicly challenged players’ commitment, including Manuel Ugarte, a former pupil at Sporting. His willingness to criticize even familiar faces sent a clear message: effort and discipline were non-negotiable.
Unlike some modern coaches, Amorim prefers to deliver feedback in front of the group, pushing players to take collective responsibility. While some have wished for more private conversations, others respect his clarity and fairness. Bruno Fernandes, the captain, remains his key link between the dressing room and manager’s office.
From day one, Amorim has emphasized professionalism. He’s been vocal about lateness and off-field behavior, addressing staff and players alike in meetings at Carrington. His rules are firm including mandatory autograph sessions for players before and after home matches to reconnect with fans.
Amorim also established a six-man leadership team, Fernandes, Maguire, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, and Dalot to help enforce standards within the squad.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Amorim has rebuilt United around his trademark 3-4-2-1 formation. Training sessions often feature “shadow drills,” where he physically repositions players to perfect movement and spacing. He’s hands-on and vocal, sometimes stopping drills to correct positioning himself.
Though director of football Jason Wilcox prefers a 4-3-3 setup, Amorim insists on sticking to his system, joking that “not even the Pope” could make him change. Still, he has occasionally experimented during practice sessions to build flexibility in transitions and pressing.
However, the early months of Amorim’s tenure were rocky. Embarrassing cup exits, including a defeat to League Two’s Grimsby Town, sparked speculation about his future. But wins over Chelsea, Liverpool, and Brighton and a recent run of improved performances have restored hope.
A year ago, United sat 14th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Today, they are seventh, with 18 points from 11 and a positive goal difference. While not spectacular, it reflects steady improvement.
Amorim has earned backing from both INEOS and the club’s board. He even joined Sir Alex Ferguson and former CEO David Gill in recent football board meetings, a rare show of trust in a new manager. Club data analysts have also presented encouraging underlying numbers to support his work.
The Glazer family, though less visible, continues to monitor progress. In a recent speech, co-owner Ed Glazer acknowledged that the club had “turned the page” and urged patience as Amorim builds his vision.
Amorim’s approach hasn’t been without controversy. His decision to exile five players Rashford, Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia was ruthless. Yet, when the squad advocated for Malacia’s return, Amorim listened and reinstated the defender, signaling flexibility when justified.
He’s also made an effort to engage positively with fans, staying behind after games to sign autographs and interact with supporters, even comforting a young girl during a recent Carrington visit.
United’s injury record has improved, training intensity has risen and the mood at Carrington feels lighter. Amorim’s next task is clear: qualify for Europe and keep the club moving upward.
After a chaotic few years and endless headlines from sackings and stadium plans to ownership reshuffles, Manchester United finally appear to be regaining structure under Ruben Amorim.
A smoother, more stable second year is what both manager and club desperately need and Ruben Amorim is doing that gradually
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