Ruben Amorim has swiftly impressed at Manchester United, securing a flattering moniker from his players within just 10 days of his tenure. The new head coach, who took the reins on November 11, caused a stir by promptly informing Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy that his services were no longer required.
He imported his own coaching staff from Sporting Lisbon and hit the ground running to instil his strategic vision in time for his first challenge against Ipswich. Hindered by work permit complications, Amorim had his inaugural training session delayed until Monday and faced a shortfall of first-team members due to the international break.
Nevertheless, Amorim capitalised on the presence of academy talents to commence teaching his preferred 3-4-3 system – earning early approval for his methods.
A club insider revealed to The Sun: "Even before Monday's first session, the players have been very impressed," and further praised Amorim's dynamism after training: "Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence."
Highlighting the parallels drawn between Amorim and Jose Mourinho, the source emphasised: "There's definite [Jose] Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self-belief – but the style is his own. The players think he's very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0."
Amorim has been compared to the legendary Mourinho, having taken charge of the same club at 41 after capturing titles with Sporting and earning plaudits across Europe.
While acknowledging similarities with Mourinho, Amorim graciously bestows that comparison onto his assistant in an interview: "My number two is Carlos Fernandes, he's been my right-hand man right from day one," he remarked earlier this year.
"He'll be a much better coach than me. I often say if I become Bobby Robson, then he'll be my Jose Mourinho! But there's plenty of time, we've signed a 15-year deal!".
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Facing the monumental task of reviving United's fortunes as they languish in 13th under Erik ten Hag's regime, Amorim remains undeterred: "We have to start from day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this," proclaimed the new boss upon arrival. "They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That's the goal."
Moreover, Amorim addressed the club’s past glories with a determination to add more silverware, exuding confidence despite the recent drought: "A long time ago, we didn't win the Premier League. But if you ask, Manchester United is the biggest club in England. This is part of history, it's not now. So we have to address that, to show that and to try to win again."
Amorim made a commitment to his squad and the supporters in his first interview: "I will do everything for the team. I will defend my players, all the time, against everybody. That's a key point for me and I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs. And I believe a lot that we are going to succeed.
"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. They are here."
