Erik ten Hag spent over £400million during his time in charge of Manchester United.
Ten Hag was the heaviest backed manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era and yet still faced accusations that his team didn’t have a style of play or a distinguishable identity.
That was one of many reasons why it was time for Ten Hag to be sacked. Ruben Amorim has been appointed as his successor and it shouldn’t take long for fans to see his philosophy.
It was frustrating to watch an unorganised United during Ten Hag’s tenure but things are about to change. Amorim’s first game in charge will come against Ipswich Town on November 24 and the new head coach plays with a very different formation, which should be fascinating.
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Amorim favours players who can produce intensity and was asked about his style of play when he was finally invited to sit down and conduct his first interview with the club’s media.
“I think it’s important because a lot of people now talk about the 3-4-3 and the 4-3-3 and all that stuff,” said Amorim. “But when I think as a player or as a team-mate of Manchester United, it is not a system or formation, it’s like the character of the players, the way they see the club.
“So we have to focus on that before the everything of how we play, how we press. The most important thing for me at this moment is to create the principles, the identity and the character that we had in the past. In one word: team. The team is the most important thing for me.
“And if you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine. But if I have to explain the importance of everything, it is the character, the way we fight and the way we play.
“And we must have an identity. If our players take the shirt, they will know that it is the Manchester United team. Everybody thinks the same, running back, playing, enjoying. This is what drives me. I can say the popular thing, which is to win.
“Everybody wants to win and I want to win with my players, with the fans, but with an identity and one idea, that is the thing that I am focused on all the time.
“I’m a small part of the club. I know that the manager or head coach is so important in the club because you have in your hands the engine of the club.
“I understand that, but I want to be part of something. I don’t want to be just in charge. So I want everybody together. It will be more fun and so much easier to reach the goals.”
Amorim speaks outstanding English – Ten Hag’s communication was certainly not a strength – and he struck all the right notes in his interview, which lasted for around 12 minutes.
The 39-year-old’s answer about how he wants his teams to play was exciting and provided a glimpse into what could unfold in the coming weeks. Amorim has inherited a struggling side and must improve their league position but can simultaneously implement a style while doing so.
It always felt like there was a trade off with Ten Hag, who produced some brilliant results during his reign but not necessarily with bench mark performances for his philosophy.
The most successful period of Ten Hag’s career was at Ajax and he ultimately failed to replicate the way he played in Amsterdam in Manchester, despite spending more than £400m.
Amorim can’t give up on his principles for the sake of short-term results at Old Trafford.
