RUBEN AMORIM believes Manchester United have failed because they have played in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson – instead of in his spirit.
The new Old Trafford boss has not been shy of making huge statements to players in his early training sessions this week.
In a video released by United on Monday, Amorim, 39, drilled his stars who were not on international duty.
But SunSport can reveal the players have been ‘blown away’ by his immediate impact with ‘Mourinho-style confidence’.
Fergie left 11 years ago and a string of managers, including most-recently sacked Erik ten Hag, have not won the Premier League since.
A source said: “He told them that top managers have not replicated Sir Alex’s success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than getting their team to play with his spirit.
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“Even before Monday’s first session, the players have been very impressed.
“Then, after the sessions, they are blown away by his energy, approach and confidence.
“There’s definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his self belief – but the style is his own.
“The players think he’s very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them are calling him Mourinho 2.0.”
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Amorim was mentored by ex-United boss Jose Mourinho and even had a week internship at Old Trafford with him in 2018, shortly before his two-year spell as manager came to an end.
Portuguese boss Mourinho was also one of Amorim’s first calls when he was offered the United job with the original Special One telling him ‘to go for it’.
The source added: “He told the ones he’s seen so far that the talent in the squad is unbelievable – but they need to start playing as a team.”
The new head coach met some players in the gym at Carrington last week, with others on holiday or with their national sides.
But the likes of Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were part of early drills in a new 3-4-3 shape and with a new style on Monday.
Amorim is desperate to give United a new identity and stamp his mark on the team from day one – with his first game at Ipswich on Sunday.
Amad Diallo, Antony, Rashford and Jonny Evans all uploaded glowing social media posts after their first sessions under the new head coach and his backroom team.
Amorim also told players he likes a settled team – but they all have the chance to impress him on the training pitch.
Portugal stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have been away on international duty but had already told their club team-mates they will be impressed and how good Amorim is in training.
The former Sporting manager has been very affectionate with the players and told them it is only natural he will have pre-conceived ideas about them – but they have the time to change his minds.
In his first interview, Amorim told fans they would have an idea immediately of how he wants his team to play.
United are 13th with a zero goal difference – but only four points off Chelsea in third with the Prem returning on Saturday.
And the stars on the training ground were left with no doubt on the shape and system he wants to play from the outset.
The source added: “One thing the players are going to have to learn fast is that it is imperative they stick to his system and principles.
“He gets how they live, how they want to work and how to get the best out of them. ”
“Because he’s only 39, he gets their fashion, their music and their feelings about the modern game.”
Mainoo was given special treatment by ex-midfielder Amorim in the first session.
The England star, 19, was getting instructions on where to receive the ball and spin into space.
Antony was given a right wing-back role in training – but with Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoiu away, it is unlikely he will play there at Portman Road.
Shaw is trying to regain fitness and he spent the 3-4-3 schooling to the left of Jonny Evans in the back three, with Yoro to the right.
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Casemiro and Mainoo were in midfield with Rashford up front. Mount and Amad slotted into the No10 roles behind the striker.
The source added: “The players and club are energized. The other players will be anxious to get back to Carrington to prove themselves.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
