Ruben Amorim has laid down the gauntlet to Manchester United's young talents, declaring that youth is no excuse for underperformance.
The new manager, who took over the reins this week, is faced with a squad that includes both underachievers and promising prospects.
Last season saw Kobbie Mainoo make his mark, while Alejandro Garnacho's influence has increased. Amad Diallo is also starting to demonstrate his abilities, and summer acquisition Leny Yoro from Lille, although yet to compete in an official match, is expected to make an impact.
Amorim, who has been familiarising himself with his new surroundings in Manchester, addressed the potential of five players – Mainoo, Garnacho, Diallo, Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund – during an interview with MUTV.
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Despite acknowledging the "excitement" surrounding these young talents, he emphasised that their age is irrelevant to the expectations at United.
He stated: "I don't want to say that we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United. They should be because they are here."
Amorim is adamant he will instil his footballing philosophy from the get-go, stating: "We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games. But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this.
"This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That's the goal."
Having cultivated top talent and clinched league titles as a manager in Lisbon, Amorim is tasked with bringing success back to Old Trafford.
He has made it clear that establishing a distinct style of play - a subject which often sparked criticism aimed towards his predecessor Erik ten Hag - is his key focus. "We know that we need time, but we have to win time," he expressed.
"To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity. So since day one we will start with our identity. Of course we are going to prepare the games, but we will focus a lot in our game model. How to play, how to press, these small things, small details."
