RUBEN AMORIM met several of Manchester United’s squad yesterday — and instantly gave them some TLC.
The new Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.
It came just 24 hours after his arrival from Sporting Lisbon.
Amorim, 39, embraced Shaw, hugged Mainoo and Mount, shared a laugh with £42million summer buy Yoro and chatted to Collyer.
The bulk of United’s players are on international duty — but some first-teamers have been working on their fitness in the gym.
Amorim, whose first match in charge is a Prem trip to Ipswich on November 24, wasted little time making big calls off the pitch, too.
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Darren Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull, unlike interim chief Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was axed on Monday in a move criticised by ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand.
Stalwart Fletcher was part of Erik ten Hag’s staff and is set to continue in a coaching capacity.
The Scot had been technical director but new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe appointed Jason Wilcox in that role earlier this year, so the ex-midfielder joined the backroom set-up where he is set to remain.
Amorim is waiting for a visa before he can work with his squad — but looks set to bring in Sporting analyst Eduardo Rosalino.
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Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man Utd
RUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.
But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.
Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:
VIKTOR GYOKERES
Age: 26
Position: Striker
Cost: £84million
Swede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.
Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.
GONCALO INACIO
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Cost: £50million
Ball-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.
Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.
MORTEN HJULMAND
Age: 25
Position: Midfield
Cost: £40million
Dane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.
He could be the man to replace Casemiro.
The Portuguese wants Premier League experience on his staff so Fletcher and set-piece coach Andreas Georgson are set to stay.
Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand reckons Amorim axed van Nistelrooy, who won three of his four games as caretaker, as he felt threatened.
The Dutch club legend departed along with coaches Rene Hake, Jelle van Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel.
Ferdinand said: “It’s not easy to go in and have, sitting next to you, one of the most prolific strikers.
“Fans love him. And any bumps in the road, they’ll say to get Ruud in as a manager.”
Left-back Tyrell Malacia ended his 17-month injury nightmare with a start for the Under-21s in the EFL Trophy at Huddersfield last night.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
