Van Nistelrooy Inspired, Amorim Disappointed: Manchester United Couldn’t Handle Even an Underdog
In the Portuguese coach's debut Premier League match, the Red Devils could only draw against modest Ipswich.
A managerial change often brings an emotional lift and a chance for players to prove their worth anew — especially under an ambitious coach like Ruben Amorim. Many expected his arrival to be the shake-up Manchester United needed to return to winning ways.
The 39-year-old coach, nicknamed the "football prodigy" in Portugal, had already proven himself at Sporting. This team recently defeated Manchester City in the Champions League. He was the man to get United back on track. However, reality turned out to be quite different. The match against Ipswich was a harsh wake-up call for those expecting instant miracles from the Portuguese tactician.
It’s noteworthy that Manchester United enjoyed an unexpected resurgence under interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy before Amorim's appointment. The Dutch club legend breathed new life into the team, with his short tenure showcasing the "new manager effect" often anticipated during a coaching transition. With Van Nistelrooy in charge, United resembled a well-oiled machine: three wins, 11 goals scored, no defeats, and a visible commitment from players.
Van Nistelrooy's success likely stemmed from his status at the club. As a legendary striker, he commanded immediate respect. His deep understanding of team psychology and ability to connect with players made a difference. The squad felt responsible toward him, and their fiery motivation was evident in every match.
The situation with Amorim, however, feels entirely different. Despite his achievements at Sporting, the United players seemingly don’t view his experience as significant. To them, he is an outsider who has yet to earn their respect. Psychology plays a crucial role here. When a figure with a prominent name tied to the club's golden era takes charge, players are willing to follow them unquestioningly. But Amorim, despite his potential, has not yet become a figure of influence. Perhaps the English stars are simply unimpressed by his success in Portugal.
Another factor is the difference in approaches. While Van Nistelrooy focused on simplifying tactical tasks and inspiring the squad, Amorim immediately tried to implement his system. As a result, even a struggling opponent like Ipswich, sitting in the relegation zone, proved too challenging for the Red Devils.
The match started promisingly. Within minutes, Rashford gave United the lead after an excellent pass from Diallo. However, instead of capitalizing and securing the win, the team allowed Ipswich to seize the initiative. The hosts equalized through Hutchinson and continued to play boldly, creating chances against Onana.
One of United’s critical issues in the match was tactical disarray. Amorim attempted to deploy his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which worked well at Sporting. However, in the Premier League, it looked underdeveloped. The center-backs couldn’t cope with Ipswich’s movement, while Casemiro and Eriksen failed to maintain midfield control. Even Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho appeared lost in the new system.
Another alarming issue was the team's fitness. Players needed more intensity. Rashford, despite his early goal, faded out of the game, and Casemiro struggled to counter the opposition’s quick attacks. Substitutions by Amorim — introducing Højlund, Zirkzee, and Mount — did little to change the game.
Ultimately, as the overwhelming favorites, United failed miserably. Onana made several crucial saves to keep Ipswich from scoring again, but United offered little in attack. Ipswich looked confident and never allowed their opponents to settle.
Despite the poor start, it’s too early to dismiss Amorim. First, he has a clear vision for the game that has already proven effective in Europe. Second, his adaptability and ability to learn from mistakes are his strengths. However, without solid support from the management and the players, even the most talented coach cannot turn things around.
The contrast between Van Nistelrooy's brief success and Amorim's disappointing debut raises an important question: What kind of leader does Manchester United need right now? Perhaps the club should focus on tactically solid managers who can immediately earn the players’ trust.
Amorim still has time to prove himself, but he faces a harsh reality for now. United needs someone who can be a true pillar of strength for the players, especially during such a turbulent period. Van Nistelrooy, albeit briefly, showed that it’s possible. Now, it’s up to the Portuguese coach to prove his worth.
Published by Patrick Jane
25.11.2024