Manchester United return to action this weekend as Ruben Amorim takes charge of his first match for the club.
The Reds travel to take on newly-promoted Ipswich town at Portman Road on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm kick-off). They ended Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim time in charge on a high before the break with a 3-0 win over Leicester City, a result they will be looking to repeat.
Ahead of the game, Amorim held his first press conference since joining the club, on Friday. There was a lot to talk about as he spoke to external media for the first time since making the move from Sporting CP.
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With that in mind, MEN Sport have taken a look at two of the biggest takeaways from the press conference. We’ve also given our own thoughts on what he had to say.
Amorim criticises United players
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, United head coach Amorim has pointed out two areas where the United players have to improve for the remainder of the season. The new boss didn’t hold back in his thoughts.
“I think if you want to speak about the team, the way we play, I think we lose the ball too often and we have to keep the ball,” he said. “We have to be better running back. I think that is clear for everybody.
“And we have to be very good in the details. Sometimes we are hoping to change a lot of things, big things. I think it’s the small things and we are here to improve on the small things. The way we see football, play as a team, understanding the game in one way, that is the focus. I can tell you in the small things I can help a lot these players.”
MEN Sport says: It’s good that Amorim has come in and already identified the key areas for improvement, and it is areas that United have been criticised on so far this season. If the new boss improves both the areas, then it will make a big difference to the team’s performances, and hopefully results.
I like that he’s come in and is not afraid to say what he thinks about the squad. That should demand respect from the players as he helps them to improve throughout the season.
INEOS decision slammed
Amorim has also criticised the decision to allow Marcus Rashford and Casemiro fly to America during their days off. He hinted that the rules would change under his stewardship.
“I think the main question here is that us, as a club, have to set the standards and have to manage that,” Amorim said. “It is my decision if they can have five days [off], three days or three days to rest, you cannot fly.
“This is something that us, as a club, have to decide.” When asked by Gary Neville if he would have banned Rashford and Casemiro from going to America, Amorim added: “For me? Yes for sure.
“We cannot put this on the players. They [United] told them they can have five days off so they can fly anywhere because nobody at the club says you cannot fly.”
MEN Sport says: Like the demands he has put on players, this could be Amorim’s way of stamping his authority on the squad. I think the thinking behind the potential decision to ban players taking long-haul flights when they have just a few days off is the right one.
While there may be players out on international duty having to fly long distances, it’s an unnecessary strain if it doesn’t have to be done. Jet lag could potentially have an impact on performances in training and in matches.
In an industry when every little detail can make a big difference, the fact that Amorim has taken the stance and is not afraid to talk about it is a good thing.
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