Following Erik ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United, the club has placed its faith in Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim to lead them into a new era. Having previously enjoyed domestic success with Sporting Lisbon, Amorim arrives at Old Trafford with a fresh tactical approach and a distinct managerial philosophy.
His appointment has drawn attention, especially from former United boss José Mourinho, who has been a mentor to Amorim and has offered valuable insights on the challenges his successor may face. Mourinho also highlighted key areas where Ten Hag struggled and provided advice on how Amorim can avoid similar pitfalls.
One of the primary concerns Mourinho raised was Ten Hag’s management style, which he described as somewhat insular. Reports suggest that the Dutchman operated within a tight inner circle, limiting his ability to fully integrate into Manchester United’s existing structure.
This approach reportedly created a sense of disconnection among the staff and players, leading to a less cohesive environment within the club. Mourinho advised Amorim to take a different approach by embracing United’s long-established culture, collaborating closely with local coaching staff, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere. He emphasized that adapting to the club’s traditions would be crucial for Amorim’s long-term success at Old Trafford.
Another significant issue during Ten Hag’s reign was his handling of senior players. Mourinho pointed to the Dutchman’s reported fallout with Raphaël Varane, which resulted in the defender being sidelined for two months. Such disputes with experienced players can be detrimental to squad morale, and Mourinho urged Amorim to prioritize effective communication and mutual respect. According to him, senior players play an essential role in maintaining harmony within the dressing room, and a good relationship with them could be vital in ensuring stability within the squad.
The club’s financial decisions under Ten Hag also raised concerns, particularly the large sums spent on Casemiro and Antony—signings that collectively cost around £140-150 million. The return on these investments was widely regarded as disappointing, which led Mourinho to advise Amorim to be more strategic in the transfer market. Rather than focusing on individual star players, he suggested that Amorim should target signings that align with United’s style of play and long-term vision.
Despite Mourinho’s advice, Amorim has made it clear that while he values the wisdom shared by his compatriot, he is determined to carve his own path at Manchester United. He has openly expressed his respect for Mourinho’s managerial achievements but has emphasized that his own coaching philosophy differs. As he takes charge at Old Trafford, he faces the immediate challenge of steering the team through a difficult period, with upcoming fixtures against Everton and Ipswich Town serving as early tests of his approach.
However, Amorim’s early days at the club have been anything but smooth. Manchester United currently finds itself struggling in 15th place in the Premier League, a situation that has placed immense pressure on the new manager. Financial constraints have further complicated matters, with the club reporting a net loss of £27.7 million in the second quarter—partly due to the costs associated with Ten Hag’s dismissal and their failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Tactically, Amorim has also faced difficulties in implementing his preferred 3-4-3 formation, as the current squad lacks the necessary depth and technical ability to execute his vision effectively. Injuries have only worsened his predicament, with as many as 12 first-team players currently sidelined.
As a result, Amorim has been forced to rely on young, inexperienced academy players, contributing to the team’s inconsistency in performances. Despite these setbacks, the Portuguese coach remains committed to instilling a strong sense of identity within the squad. Rather than rigidly sticking to tactics that may not suit the players at his disposal, he has focused on building team character, discipline, and a winning mentality.
Looking ahead, Amorim has an opportunity to turn things around, with crucial fixtures offering him the chance to prove his tactical acumen and leadership. Although the challenges ahead are daunting, his determination to rebuild squad morale and create a unified team could be the key to his success. Support from the club’s management and fans will be essential as he strives to restore Manchester United’s status as a competitive force in English and European football.
