Since arriving at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim has found it difficult to stamp his identity on the club.
Last season’s disastrous 15th-place finish highlighted the growing pains of a team adapting to a highly specific and demanding tactical system.
The pressure is now high going into the new season and the Portuguese coach knows that this summer is crucial.
With his trademark 3-4-2-1 formation requiring players with very particular profiles, the rebuild has to be precise.
United have already moved decisively in the transfer market, bringing in Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha to fit Amorim’s system.
But signings alone aren’t enough, Amorim is making full use of pre-season, putting the players through a detailed regime to instill his tactical blueprint.
If United are to turn the corner, it has to start now.
How Amorim Is Implementing His Ideas
Unlike past pre-seasons, United have opted against holding a full open training session.
This isn’t a coincidence, it’s a direct reflection of how intense and system-driven Amorim’s sessions have been.
Even the club have been restricted from filming key parts of training, with Amorim determined to keep his tactical work under wraps.
According to sources close to the team, the players feel like they’re being “coached to within an inch of their lives.”
Each player was handed a tailored individual programme at the end of last season, designed to prepare them for the physical and mental demands of his system.
The tactical walkthroughs in training are led by Amorim himself, constantly guiding the team through scenarios they’re likely to face.
“I’m not going to say every training session, but he (Amorim) makes sure that you go prepared for every game,” said Diogo Dalot.
“We go to every game already knowing what’s going to happen, more or less, with the opposition.”
His assistant, Carlos Fernandes, has taken the reins on set-piece routines and specific drills, allowing Amorim to focus on embedding the tactical structure.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
What’s Improved?
United’s most recent pre-season fixtures suggest that Amorim’s ideas are beginning to take hold.
The 2-1 win over West Ham showed flashes of progress, but it was the 4-1 victory over Bournemouth where United truly impressed.
Against the Cherries, Amorim’s system came to life.
The two attacking midfielders, dropped into midfield areas regularly, creating overloads and linking play with fluidity.
United controlled large spells of the game and outplayed Bournemouth with dynamic, attractive football.
Out of possession, United shifted into a 4-4-2 press, showcasing much improved spacing between lines.
While it’s still a work in progress, the compactness and aggression in the press were a marked improvement from last season, when United often looked passive and disjointed.
These signs of tactical clarity and adaptability suggest Amorim is evolving his system it to suit the squad and the demands of the Premier League.
With better structure and clearer roles, the players look far more comfortable.
It’s proof that with time and backing, Amorim can get this team performing.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
What Next?
There’s still a long road ahead, but the early signs are encouraging.
Amorim’s priority now is to continue refining the players’ tactical understanding and physical conditioning.
Injury prevention is also a focus, especially given the intensity of his system.
Further reinforcements are expected, and Amorim will push for players who not only fit his tactical needs but also bring the mentality required to succeed at a club as demanding as Manchester United.
Every signing must be successful and money can’t be wasted.
Ultimately, results will determine how long Amorim gets, but the groundwork is being laid.
The fast start he’s hoping for will help ease pressure, but even if early performances are inconsistent, the improvements in structure and style already visible show that Amorim is building a foundation for long-term success.
For the first time in a while, Manchester United appear to have a manager with a clear idea of how he wants his team to play and the bravery to stick with it.
