Ruben Amorim seems to have turned things around at Manchester United, both in terms of Premier League results and his standing in the dressing room
Things are looking up at Manchester United as Ruben Amorim’s reputation has seen a big revival heading into the international break.
The Red Devils are up to seventh in the Premier League and have now gone five games unbeaten, after grabbing a last minute equaliser against Tottenham last weekend. However, not all of the manager’s choices at Old Trafford have been well received. This became evident when a Rclub legend criticised Amorim’s decision not to rehire one of his former colleagues.
And it’s not just ex-United players whose opinion of the Portuguese coach has shifted over the last 12 months. Reports suggest United players changed their view on Amorim following a heated incident that showed them exactly how much he cares.
Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Amorim’s decision to axe a staff member upset Rio
Rio Ferdinand didn’t hold back in questioning Amorim’s decision not to bring on board former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy after he took over at Old Trafford.
As fans reflect on the manager’s first year at the helm of the Theatre of Dreams, some might wonder if things would have turned out differently with the Dutchman involved, reports the Mirror.
Van Nistelrooy had previously made a positive contribution to the squad as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team, and even briefly led the team as interim manager following his compatriot’s dismissal.
Amorim chose not to retain Van Nistelrooy as he wanted to bring in his own staff, a move that annoyed United legend Ferdinand.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “His [Van Nistelrooy’s] audition couldn’t have gone any better and I think, knowing him, there was a steely determination underneath that said, ‘I’m going to put myself in the best position, either to stay at the club in some capacity or someone else is going to say we need you as a manager.’
“He looked the part and he produced. The players needed that. We’re in a time where there was a lot of turbulence, the manager’s [Ten Hag’s] relationships with some players seemed fractured and irreversible, and the fans seemed to have made their minds up that that was it.
“And the new manager comes in – and you always get that bounce – but this seemed a bit different from a bounce. The players had grown to really like him, they appreciated how he informed them of different bits and pieces – tactically, individually, as a team – and there was a genuine ‘we want to do well for this guy.'”.
United squad change stance on Amorim
Sometimes positive transformation can emerge from negative moments. Amorim discovered this first-hand when the United squad reacted favourably to him destroying a television screen in the changing room after their defeat to Brighton last season.
Generally, Amorim appears as a calm figure who rarely loses his composure in front of the media. However, that tranquillity clearly has its boundaries, and the players witnessed just how enraged their manager can become following a 3-1 home defeat to the Seagulls.
Instead of recoiling, it’s been reported that several United players actually appreciated the outburst. It seems Amorim’s fiery display gave them a clearer picture of his passion for the club’s success, even if his usual demeanour doesn’t always show it.
His own rendition of Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous hairdryer treatment seemed to ignite a spark of fight within the squad. However, they might want to prevent him from smashing too many televisions, considering United’s current financial situation.
Ferdinand hails United star as “a joke”
Following his crowning as the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October, Bryan Mbeumo is clearly relishing his time in Manchester.
And needless to say, Ferdinand is thoroughly impressed with the Cameroonian international. With four goals in his last four games for United, few at Old Trafford can match the winger’s current hot streak.
Ferdinand was effusive in his praise for the forward, who has played a key role in United’s recent run of positive results.
“Mbeumo has been a joke,” the United legend declared on Rio Ferdinand Presents. “He’s really stepped in there and become a mainstay.
“He’s someone who can give you two or three seconds on the ball to relieve pressure. He can score important goals and create chances.
“I saw Thomas Frank’s comments about him the other day, and Mbeumo nearly being a complete winger. I think by the end of this season, he’ll be one of the most complete wingers in the Premier League because he can do everything.
“He just needs to consistently do it in a United shirt.”