Source: Alamy Stock Photo
In our exclusive interview, the former Manchester United coach gives his backing to Ruben Amorim and picks out which players may benefit from the Potruguese manager’s arrival at Old Trafford.
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What do you think Ruben Amorim can bring Man Utd as potentially their next manager?
I think Ruben Amorim has demonstrated a strong tactical acumen and an ability to develop young talent, which is crucial for a club like Man Utd. I think he has a clear vision of how he wants his team to play, as we have seen with Sporting Lisbon, emphasising on a high-energy style and positional play.
He is brilliant in winning trophies already even though he is only 39 and as he has shown at Sporting, he knows how to instill a winning mentality and that is vital for a club of United’s stature.
He is doing well in the Portuguese league and obviously the Champions League.
Given he is playing 3-4-3 at Sporting, which United players could lose out or benefit if he sticks with it?
I think this could be a big chance for Harry Maguire. I am not sure if Amorim sticks with that 3-4-3 formation he plays at Sporting though.
It could benefit players, there are a number of centre backs that are used to playing in a back three, whether it is [Lisandro] Martinez alongside [Matthijs] De Ligt and maybe the young [Lenny] Yoro when he gets fit. Or maybe Maguire fits in there as well.
In the midfield, you would think that maybe Casemiro and [Christian] Eriksen would lose out because, obviously you need energy and as well as that, the ability to find the passes between the lines and in the pockets.
However, this system may see all players struggle in certain positions because it is something
Different than what [Erik] Ten hag was playing, who was opting more for a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 so it is interesting to see how he could go about that with this group of players.
Every Man Utd manager after Sir Alex has been criticised for their style of play, no identity and what are the fundamentals that Amorim has to get right in these areas?
Well I think that Amorim needs to establish a clear identity which focuses on fluid attacking play, disciplined defending and effective transitions. I think he must implement patterns that allow players to understand their roles in possession and out of possession, and ensure they can create overloads and maintain ball control.
Clarity in the tactical approach will be key and he needs to build strong chemistry that reinforces these principles on the pitch.
Does Ruud van Nistelrooy need to be given more time as interim to show he is right for the job instead of the club going straight for Amorim?
I don’t think it is a case of whether he deserved or needed more time, it is a matter of the fact that the club has made the decision to release Erik Ten Hag and had the rumours about Amorim very, very quickly emerged so you can imagine the club has already had that in the back of their mind.
I am sure that Ruud, obviously, would have the potential to bring something unique to the table given his time as a player at the club and he has been working their as a coach for some time, but the decision to pursue Amorim reflects a long-term vision, when a coach has already proven himself in another role.
However, I still have to add that Portugal is not the Premier League, there will be different challenges he has to face so we have to see how he goes about that.
From what you have seen or heard of Amorim, what are his best qualities to excite Man Utd fans and get Arsenal, Liverpool and City worried?
I have seen and read, and looking at Lisbon, I think Amorim’s ability to adapt tactically and his style of play and development are standout qualities. The way he plays, it is a free-scoring team, they score a lot and don’t concede a lot. He has got a knack for getting the best of his players, fostering a competitive spirit as well within the squad.
His success in adapting to various situations in matches and changing things for the better, instilling confidence in his players, creates a cohesive unit and can challenge other top teams.
He is a forward thinking coach, you can see that, with innovative tactics so all that together could make United a formidable opponent again in the league and in the future.