Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim acknowledges the immense challenge that awaits him at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s contract with Manchester United officially begins on Monday, after he led Sporting Lisbon to a 4-2 comeback victory over Braga on Sunday evening. Amorim and his coaching team boarded a flight to Manchester on Monday morning, and they are expected to start their duties at Old Trafford once they secure their work permits.
Two weeks ago, United identified Amorim as their top candidate to replace Erik ten Hag and acted swiftly to finalize the deal. He was officially announced as ten Hag’s successor on November 1.
Amorim looking forward to Manchester United challenge
Anticipating the challenges ahead in the Premier League, Amorim, who guided Sporting to five trophies during his tenure in Lisbon, acknowledged that he is ‘not naive’ about the magnitude of the task of revitalizing Manchester United’s fortunes.
“I feel ready for the new challenge,” Amorim said. “I’m not naive; I understand it will be very different and very difficult.”
“I’m at peace now. I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow (Monday). I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here anywhere else but there are other places with different exposure and pressure.”
On Van Nistelrooy, Amorim added: ‘I haven’t spoken with him yet. I have to talk with him tomorrow (Monday). I will explain everything clearly. Let’s wait until then.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been holding the fort since Ten Hag’s exit on October 28, winning three and drawing one of his four games as interim manager. However, it has been officially confirmed that he will not continue as an assistant under Amorim.
What are the expectations from Amorim?
It would help Manchester United fans if they do not expect too much from Amorim, especially coming to a side with much pressure for well over a decade. Having taken over from Erik Ten Hag, his first job should be to steady the ship and restore faith and belief back among the fans.
Moving forward, a realistic target for the Premier League should be a top four finish and a bonus could be the Carabao Cup or how far they could possibly get in the Europa League.
