Rubern Amorim has somewhat of an unwanted headache heading into his first game as Manchester United boss this weekend. The Portuguese head coach is still awaiting his visa after his move from Sporting, but will take training this week ahead of Sunday’s clash with Ipswich Town.
United are currently 13th in the Premier League table ahead of the trip to Portman Road, having won just four of their first 11 games this season. That dismal run of form cost Erik ten Hag his job, with Amorim the man tasked with turning United round.
The 39-year-old has already warned it’ll take time to implement his ideas at Old Trafford, but the international break has given him time to get used to his new surroundings and take training without any midweek interruptions. Of course, he won’t have his full squad available at his disposal and there are a number of injury concerns heading into this weekend.
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“We know that we need time, but we have to win time,” Amorim said ahead of his first match in charge. “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. You cannot go 100% on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.”
It’s well documented that Amorim prefers to set his side up with a back three – as shown during his recent stint with Sporting. However, United are struggling with injuries at the back.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are both recovering from long-term injuries, while Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro were not passed fit to play in the 3-0 win over Leicester City before the international break. The Reds were also dealt an injury blow over the international break with Victor Lindelof hobbling off the pitch in Sweden’s Nations League clash with Slovakia.
Lisandro Martinez pulled out of international duty with Argentina with a knock but has already jetted in to Manchester in an attempt to impress Amorim. It’s likely the Argentinian will be fit for this weekend’s clash with the Tractorboys and he’ll be needed if the new head coach wants to stick to his preferred set-up, but if he isn’t, it’ll cause an unwanted selection headache.
The Reds are short of options at centre-half and left-wing back and Amorim could hand an opportunity to young academy talent Harry Amass who has been named on the bench four times this season. The 17-year-old left-back has impressed in the youth set-up but found opportunities hard to come by under former boss Ten Hag.
It’s prompted transfer speculation linking him with a move to Aston Villa, but Amorim’s appointment will have a serious impact on his future. The Portuguese coach has shown he’s not afraid to hand young talents an opportunity to impress – with 17-year-old Geovany Quenda one of those to take their opportunity at Sporting.
Of course, there’s potential to play Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui as a left-wing back – if Martinez is fit and neither player is needed in a back three- but that risks toying with the balance of the side. Amass is yet to taste Premier League action, but he could be the next United youngster to make their debut.
