Ruben Amorim gives major hint over how he will set-up his Man Utd team

Manchester United’s newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed his desire for his teams to ‘control the ball without fear’. This comes after Erik ten Hag was dismissed last week following United’s worst start to a Premier League season.

The club acted quickly to secure Amorim, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract set to expire in summer 2027. United are confident they have secured one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.

At just 39, Amorim led Sporting to their first league title in 19 years during his inaugural full season and is renowned for his tactical acumen. His preferred 3-4-3 formation and possession-dominant style were key features of his successful tenure at Sporting Lisbon.

Amorim will officially commence his role at United on November 11, coinciding with the international break, and his first match in charge will be against Ipswich Town. However, he is currently serving a notice period at Sporting and will oversee the Portuguese side’s home game against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Amorim opened up to TNT Sports about his emotional rollercoaster, saying: “It’s been tough, the worst and best week of my life. I don’t have another way to explain it. Very tough because I’m leaving a very good place but I’m going to one of the best clubs in the world so it has been very tough but it is what it is.”

He continued with his thoughts on the upcoming match: “It’s just another game as a Sporting coach and I will be judged as a Sporting coach. For me, it’s a massive game against the best coach in the world. I know that is tough for Manchester United fans.”

“And I think they are the best team in the world, so it’s going to be a tough game. We are near the qualification for play-off, so this game is very important. It’s my last game in Alvalade.”

Amorim also acknowledged the scrutiny from England: “I know everybody in England is looking and taking ideas for this game, but for me, it’s just that, it’s my last game as Sporting coach and I will focus on that.”

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, he added: “I think it’s tough to say that [looking forward to coming against Guardiola more], I think it’s very challenging but not just Pep, all the best coaches are in England, so it’s a different world.”

“In Portugal, you have the top three teams and you control most games, but there it’s a different world and I need that as a coach now. To say I’m looking forward to a challenge like that, maybe not [laughs].”

Amorim, when questioned about his tactics at Sporting, emphasised: “Like I said, I’m more worried about my players feeling comfortable to play football to win the game than showing something to the English fans and the English media. My focus is on my Sporting players here.”

He continued, “I think we have the talent to play well but they have to feel comfortable, so that is my focus. I understand there are going to be a lot of people judging my team and judging my work in only one game.”

“I know that, but I’m not thinking about it. I’m just focussing on my players and the quality of the team. Of course, I want a team that can control the ball without fear but we will see tomorrow.”

With rumours swirling about him potentially succeeding Pep Guardiola at City, Amorim’s close ally Hugo Viana, currently Sporting’s director of football, is reportedly on his way to the Etihad.

“We will be friends until the end, but I have my way and I choose Manchester United,” Amorim declared. “Manchester United is my club and Manchester City is his club, so it’s going to be fun.”

“I hope to help Manchester United to improve and he will do the same, although it’s hard to improve in Manchester City at the moment. I choose my path and that’s United.”