Ruben Amorim directly addressed speculation surrounding his future as Manchester United manager, stating he remains focused despite ongoing uncertainty, and outlined a potential tactical shift for his team. The Sporting CP manager’s comments came ahead of their upcoming match against Liverpool, following a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford where United employed a more direct style of play.
Amorim acknowledged the pressure he places on himself and his team, driven by a desire for success and a recognition that every match reflects on his leadership. “It’s something internal, it’s something that has to do with me, as a coach. I really want to win,and I want my team to live up to it,as,in every game,it’s your image that’s there,” he explained. Despite external “noise” regarding his position, Amorim emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear direction and stated his personal drive won’t diminish. “I’m no longer relaxed as of it,” he admitted, clarifying that his ability to feel “a little more relaxed” is hindered by his internal standards.
The Portuguese coach also suggested a willingness to adapt their approach based on opponent tactics, specifically noting the increasing prevalence of man-to-man defensive strategies in the Premier League. Amorim believes a more direct style, capitalizing on one-on-one situations for players like Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha, could prove effective against teams that press high and defend tightly. “Sometimes,we have this way of seeing football. we want to play supported,and you can see that we want to have the ball,but sometimes… it makes sense to play in another way. It’s just about numbers,” he said.