Ruben Amorim

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change and new-look starting XI

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM can not only solve Marcus Rashford’s form struggles but turn him into one of the Premier League’s best again. Yet Rashford must first buy into a fresh 3-4-3 philosophy, accept a subtle positional change and desert his love for the left-wing. Amorim is expected to quickly instil the same coaching philosophy that earned him two Primeira Liga titles at SportingCredit: GettyMarcus Rashford is set to flourish in a new role under AmorimCredit: GettyHe has worked with a number of senior stars ahead of the Ipswich gameAmorim’s first session provided plenty of insight into his plansWith many United players spending time away on international duty, including Rasmus Hojlund, Rashford would be wise to make use of the extra time spent on the training ground with new boss Amorim.The 27-year-old has endured some topsy-turvy years after he burst onto the scene in 2016, failing to hit the heights of his 2022-23 season where he scored 30 goals in all competition.Amorim, 39, is tasked with bringing Rashford’s magic touch back, with the forward scoring just once in 12 Prem games this season. But how will the new manager, with the confidence of Jose Mourinho and the flare of Pep Guardiola, bring the best of out of Rashford?READ MORE ON MAN UTDMarcus Rashford’s resurrection A player of Rashford’s quality shouldn’t be written off, but the United academy star must open his heart up to a 3-4-3 formation. Rashford must let go of his hopes of hanging out on the left-hand side, as Amorim will NOT use two out-and-out wingers, but will instead play with an attacking left-wing back.Amorim looks set to build two differently profiled so-called No 10s – and Rashford must become one alongside captain Bruno Fernandes.Fernandes’ talents mean he’ll pick up the ball-playing No 10 role, leaving Rashford as the driving central player, who runs off the No 9.Most read in FootballWinger Rashford must become a No.10 – but not necessarily a ball-playing oneMeanwhile, Rashford could also be reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him, but Hojlund is more likely to thrive in this role.The England star is used to playing in a 4-3-2-1 formation or as a striker in counter attacking side, so things will have to change.But if Rashford buys into it early, and focuses on more assists than goals, the United will have a Carrington graduate playing an important role in the club’s future.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd With Hojlund stretching the defence, a channel will appear for Rashford to run intoAmorim’s 3-4-3 formationAmorim has a clear identity. And it seems almost certain that the Portuguese tactician will bring in his winning 3-4-3 structure to M16.He likes his teams to play through the thirds and to dominate possession when moving the ball out from the back.Hojlund, a player United haven’t made the best use of, will likely be deployed at No 9.At Sporting, the formation and style has been built around a mobile, big, physical runner Viktor Gyokeres – and Hojlund can ease into that role.Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all slot into their respective roles. United are set to adopt Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formationAnd £52million summer signing Leny Yoro has been spotted training at the right hand side of the back three in training clips this week. What is more constant is that in his 3-4-3 formation, attacking wing-backs are key in all thirds of the pitch.Amorim has used two defensive midfielders to cover for his wing-backs – who push high up the pitch and stay wide to form a 3-4-2-1.This also allows his two attacking midfielders to drop into pockets behind a lone striker while still stretching the opposition’s backline.Wing and a prayerAmorim places his wing-backs right up in the attacking areas of the pitch, giving them full freedom of in the flanks.It will become a 3-2-5 in attack, where the wing-backs are expected to push up in different profiles.Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and even Antony could be eased into a wing-back role, as all three have the ability to take on their man in a 1 v 1. Amorim likes his teams to play through the thirds and to dominate possession when moving the ball out from the back.For the non-byline running full-backs, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can invert to play in the inside channel when attacking.Amorim likes to have his wing-backs playing high up the pitchWhile Dalot and Mazraoui are set to star in a more inverted role when playingAndre Onana’s gameErik ten Hag bought Andre Onana for £43.7m on the basis of his ability to play out of the back, but the Dutchman couldn’t find a way to utilise David de Gea’s replacement.Onana will be asked to play into the midfield’s feet, who are expected to take the ball on the half-turn and push up the pitch.In training this week, there were no long balls to be seen.It looks like the out-field players will be limited to only two touches before passing it in a zig-zag if they can’t turn, until a channel of space opens up. Goalkeeper Andre Onana should unleash his ball-playing abilitiesMuch has been made of Andre Onana’s ability to play it out from the back with his feetCredit: GettyMainoo main manKobbie Mainoo has the ability to be United’s main ball-playing central midfielder.With the Red Devils looking to start from defence, Mainoo’s role as a deep playmaker has become even more important.Just 18 months after his first run-out against Charlton Athletic in the League Cup, he was starting the final of Euro 2024. The 19-year-old has the ability to dip his shoulder.Mainoo fits in nicely next to all-action Manuel Ugarte, who prefers to be tasked with breaking up play. Ugarte will be well aware of the system used by Amorim having played 85 times under the Portuguese coach in Lisbon, where he started 61 matches.Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this weekCredit: GettyAmorim appears to have taken an immediate shine to Mainoo in training his week, with the pair spotted chatting on several occasions.But all players will expected to get up and down quickly and bust a gut to get back, which has not been witnessed in United games of late. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the amount of sprinting required could spell the end for Casemiro, who at 32 years old seems to have lost his legs.Nonetheless, the Real Madrid legend has stepped up in his dressing room role in recent week.Amorim was always encouraging his players where to run to in training this weekRuben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Amad Diallo could be handed shock position change as Ruben Amorim begins to put stamp on Man Utd team

      by

      AMAD DIALLO could be the first major winner of Rubem Amorim’s reign.The Ivorian right-winger is tipped to start ahead of big names in Amorim’s first match in charge of Manchester United at Ipswich on Sunday, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those under pressure.Amad Diallo has quickly impressed new Man Utd boss AmorimCredit: GettyRuben Amorim has identified ‘character’ and team unity as prioritiesCredit: GettyAnd there’s also a chance Diallo will take on a new role for the Pem trip.United’s new Portuguese boss Amorim is already understood to have made major decisions about certain stars – after just a week of training.That includes some players he reckons won’t fit into his preferred 3-4-3 system, as used in four years at Sporting Lisbon.This weekend’s main selection concern is likely to concern the front three.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSAnd it’s thought Diallo’s workrate, as well as his team ethic, give him the edge over widemen with arguably more flair but less consistency – such as Garnacho and Antony.So the former Sunderland loanee, 22, might finally be in pole position to hold down a regular spot on the right wing for the Red Devils.Amorim perhaps hinted as much by saying: “The team is the most important thing for me.”If you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine.” Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 39-year-old rated “running back” and “character” as other priorities. Diallo played the whole game last time out for United, a 3-0 Prem home win over Leicester on November 10.A look at the build-up to Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge of Man Utd Ruud van Nistelrooy bowed out on that, giving him three victories and a draw in his four-match stint as interim chief.And Diallo’s hopes of retaining his spot have been boosted by another factor.Amorim prefers playing three in defence – whereas United’s full-backs are more used to playing in a four-man rearguard.Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui took those slots, right and left respectively, against the Foxes.Meanwhile, left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are finally in full training again after long-term injuries.But Diallo has impressed Amorim at Carrington with his hard graft.That means he might also be in contention for a starting position wide in midfield when the 13th-place Red Devils travel to Ipswich in 17th.Amorim’s new squad have been impressed with his Jose Mourinho levels of “confidence”.So the big question this weekend is: How much self-belief will he have to launch an instant shake-up with Diallo and all?READ MORE SUN STORIESMan Utd ratings v LeicesterHere’s how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.ANDRE ONANA – 7Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.DIOGO DALOT – 6Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.CASEMIRO – 7Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.AMAD DIALLO – 7Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.  BRUNO FERNANDES – 8Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.MARCUS RASHFORD – 5Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.RASMUS HOJLUND – 5A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?– More

    • 125 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes?

      by

      RUBEN Amorim will be hoping he and his team can lead Manchester United back to greatness.The highly-rated Portugese coach officially joined the Red Devils on November 11, 2024.Carlos Fernandes is assistant head coach to Ruben Amorim at Manchester UnitedCredit: RexAmorim is the sixth permanent Man Utd boss since club legend Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.He follows the likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford hot seat.Amorim has brought SIX members of his backroom staff that he worked with at Sporting during his hugely successful four-year spell at the Lisbon club.That includes his right-hand man Carlos Fernandes – and SunSport has the lowdown on Man Utd’s new assistant head coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWho is Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim’s assistant Carlos Fernandes?Carlos Fernandes is assistant head coach to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim.During his early days in the sport, Fernandes played for amateur side Canecas, but his playing career never reached the professional stage, leading him to start coaching at the remarkable age of 14.As a teenager, he was coaching Benfica’s youth development teams, which was where Amorim was a first-team player at the time.He linked up with Amorim in a coaching capacity for the first time at Casa Pia in 2018, beginning life at the third-tier side as an unpaid intern, but he rose through the ranks to earn his chance as an assistant.Most read in FootballSince then, he has been assistant to Amorim at Braga and then Sporting before joining footballing giants Man Utd.Fernandes is known for his modern approach to training and deep tactical understanding – he is expected to play a huge role in the Red Devils’ on-pitch preparations.The 30-year-old is the same age as his namesake and Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes.Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd backroom staffIn addition to Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro join Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson as Man Utd first-team coaches.Jorge Vital takes up the role of first-team goalkeeper coach – and will be assisted by Craig Mawson – while Paulo Barreira arrives as physical performance coach.Amorim has also brought 39-year-old analyst Eduardo Rosalino with him from Sporting. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim stunned by Man Utd players in training and has already made decision on flops who WON’T fit his system

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM was stunned by the size of the job on his hands after the first training sessions with Manchester United this week.The new boss believes the expensively-assembled squad is bloated and has already pinpointed a number of individuals who he does NOT believe will fit into his 3-4-3 high-energy style of play.Ruben Amorim has been startled by the lack of speed and intensityCredit: GettyAmorim’s coaching staff are drilling the squad on new tacticsCredit: GettyAmorim, 39, has been putting the players, available to him following the international break, through their paces at Carrington.But the former Sporting Lisbon boss could not believe the lack of speed and intensity.During the first sessions this week, Amorim was constantly having to tell the players to pick up the pace — and this has continued through the week.The coaching staff and analysts are drilling players and getting them to watch demonstrations of Amorim’s set-up to get them up to speed for his first game in charge away to Ipswich on Sunday.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALLOn the positive side, Amorim has also been surprised by the quality of some players at his disposal despite United’s lowly 13th position in the Prem.Amorim is the club’s sixth permanent boss in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.He arrives with a big reputation after winning two titles at Sporting following the club’s 19-year wait to land the top honour again in Portugal.The former Benfica man  took over United after Erik ten Hag was fired 11 games into the new season.Most read in FootballRuud van Nistelrooy and all of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team were oustedCredit: PAFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmorim immediately cleared out Ten Hag’s coaching team including Ruud van Nistelrooy, who did such a good job in his short four-game caretaker tenure, winning three games and drawing one.Meanwhile, United are again being linked with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and old boy Angel Gomes.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionRed Devils’ scouts are understood to have watched 26-year-old Gyokeres score for Sweden last week.And Amorim has maintained United’s interest in Lille’s England midfielder Gomes, 24.Three Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN 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 GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede 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 INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-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 HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

    • 300 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim had star shipped off to Bulgaria on loan after he rubbed him up the wrong way – Man Utd flops must beware

      by

      IF Manchester United players cross Ruben Amorim, they risk the same fate as Gaius Makouta.Who’s Gaius Makouta? Exactly…Ex-Braga comms chief Goncalo Ferreira says Ruben Amorim can be brutalAmorim dropped Gaius Makouta after the midfielder complained about training with the B teamTo be fair to the Congolese midfielder, he has gone on to have a decent enough career with Boavista and now Alanyaspor in Turkey.But only after Amorim gave him a short, sharp shock.Makouta paid the penalty for rubbing Amorim up the wrong way when the new Manchester United boss started work as manager of Braga’s B team in September 2019.Goncalo Ferreira was the communications chief at Braga who witnessed Amorim’s incredible rise.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut when Ferreira turned up to watch the new B team boss’ first game, he expressed concern to club president Antonio Salvador.Ferreira said: “Makouta was one of the best players, but when I arrived at the stadium and saw the team warming up, Makouta wasn’t on the pitch.“I said, ‘What happened?’, and the president said, ‘Let’s see’. Braga won 5-0.“It turned out in the first training sessions, Makouta wasn’t satisfied as he wanted to be in the first team.Most read in FootballGoncalo Ferreira has exclusively recounted a tale about the fallen Gaius MakoutaFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“So he wasn’t the best at training — he had quality but wasn’t giving  everything.“I realised that players who aren’t 100 per cent with the team, in solidarity, won’t play for Ruben. He doesn’t care about their status.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training session“Makouta ended up going out on loan to a club in Bulgaria.”Amorim won seven of his first eight games in charge of the Braga B team.Which was enough to convince Salvador to part company with first-team head coach Ricardo Sa Pinto and install Amorim instead.The first top-flight match of his managerial career was at Belenenses, where he had been a player and a team that was battling near the bottom of the table — like United’s opponents on Sunday, Ipswich.Amorim immediately put his stamp on Braga by making six changes and switching to three at the back.United are reportedly prepared to let Brazilian winger Antony leave on loan during the January transfer windowAmorim began working with United stars this weekFerreira said: “It took courage to put some of the players that he dropped on the bench.“There was a big, immediate difference in the team’s energy. We felt like they wanted to kill the opposition.“Braga won 7-1. That kind of result is not normal in the Portuguese league.“He won’t put the players on the bench, he will put them in the stands. You will see from the first game the guys he feels aren’t humble or with the team.”Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.Ferreira believes Amorim’s selection for the Ipswich game will show whether he has found any Gaius Makouta’s in the United ranks.He won’t put them on the bench, he will put them in the stands. You will see from the first game the guys he feels aren’t humble or with the team.Ferreira “I’ve read some things about the training sessions at United and how many players weren’t giving their best. Maybe they didn’t like the former coach.“Ruben was a player, so he can feel who is with the team and who is not.”Those who find favour with Amorim can expect success.After the rout of Belenenses, Braga beat Porto in the league and then the League Cup final.The next big scalp was Sporting Lisbon before Braga won a league game at Benfica for the first time since 1954.Amorim had been in charge of Braga for just 13 games when Sporting agreed to trigger his £8.4million release clause to make him their new boss.Ferreira, now boss of agency Global Take Over, said: “I was very sad, like every Braga director, player, staff member and fan.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was the best six months of Braga in terms of energy and growth. There is a before and after Ruben in Braga.”And, you suspect, a before and after Amorim in the career of Gaius Makouta.’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.” More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim backing Man Utd transfer move for Angel Gomes with England ace available to return to boyhood club for FREE

      by

      ANGEL GOMES remains a major target for Manchester United under new boss Ruben Amorim.Red Devils’ transfer gurus Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox believe the four-cap England star can be a crucial part of new boss Amorim’s masterplan for success.Angel Gomes could head back to Old Trafford after four years at LilleCredit: PANew Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim has long had Gomes on his radarCredit: GettyThe Portuguese coach is right behind the possible move because he is a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old midfielder.Gomes departed from United for Lille on a free transfer in 2020 and his five-year contract expires next summer.The French club are resigned to losing £25million-rated Gomes, with Tottenham also having the London-born ace on their radar.Gomes can speak to clubs in January about signing a pre-contract agreement.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut United believe the star, who grew up in Salford, can be lured back to Manchester as a probable long-term replacement for Casemiro.Gomes said on the chances of a sensational return to Old Trafford last month: “There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no.”He joined United aged six and broke into the under-18 side aged only 14.He became the club’s youngest player since Duncan Edwards in 1953 to make his top flight debut aged 16 years and 263 days, given the last two minutes of a 2 -0 win over Crystal Palace in May 2017.Most read in FootballThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN 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 GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede 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 INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-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 HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal have also been tipped to pursue the four-cap star.And Gunners’ legend Lee Dixon reckons he’d “fit superbly” into Mikel Arteta’s plans.Ruben Amorim takes charge of first Man Utd training sessionDixon told plejmo.com: “He’s a very good link-up player and we’ve seen that he can play alongside Declan Rice.”He’s got a lot of potential and although there will be plenty of clubs looking at him, I could see him at Arsenal next season.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      How every Man Utd manager fared in first Premier League game as boss as Ruben Amorim prepares for Ipswich clash

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for yet another new era at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim becomes the latest manager tasked with bringing back the glory days since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first match as Manchester United managerCredit: GettyThe Portuguese gaffer replaced Erik ten Hag and begins away at IpswichCredit: GettyAmorim had to wait until the international break to leave Sporting and officially replace Erik ten Hag, who was axed after two years on October 28.But nearly a month later and following Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell, the wait is virtually over for Red Devils fans to see Amorim take charge of their side.His United travel to Portman Road on Sunday afternoon to face an Ipswich team who beat Tottenham last time out – while Van Nistelrooy signed off with a comfortable 3-0 win over another newly-promoted side in Leicester.The pressure will be on the new Portuguese arrival to get off to a winning start.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut how did Manchester United’s previous bosses get on in their opening Premier League matches in the dugout? RUUD VAN NISTELROOY, 2024Van Nistelrooy began and ended his four-match stint with wins over Leicester.But his first league clash in the dugout was a home tie against Chelsea, which finished 1-1.Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot but Moises Caicedo cancelled it out to share the points at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSRuud van Nistelrooy earned a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: GettyThat would be the only game Van Nistelrooy did not win in charge as he masterminded a 2-0 victory over PAOK in the Europa League as well.ERIK TEN HAG, 2022One could say it was doomed from the beginning for Ten Hag after his absolutely abysmal start.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsUnited lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in his debut match as Pascal Gross grabbed a double.And when the Red Devils were thrashed 4-0 at Brentford in Ten Hag’s next match, there was genuine fears he would be sacked after two matches.Erik ten Hag started with a 2-1 defeat at home to BrightonCredit: APRALF RANGNICK, 2021The German was not exactly the most popular appointment as interim manager when he took over in December 2021.There were definitely plenty of complaints about his spell at Old Trafford – but in fairness, he did make a solid start.Rangnick led United to a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace with Fred getting the only goal 13 minutes from time.Ralf Rangnick had plenty to cheer about on his Prem debutCredit: GettyMICHAEL CARRICK, 2021Van Nistelrooy is not the only temporary boss to face Chelsea in his first match – and not the only one to draw 1-1.Carrick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer briefly in 2021 when the Norwegian was axed after the 4-1 defeat to Watford.The former midfielder had a tough pair of Prem fixtures – Chelsea away and Arsenal at home.But he took four points, thanks to Jadon Sancho’s goal in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge then Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired a 3-2 win over the Gunners before Rangnick stepped in.Michael Carrick oversaw a 1-1 draw with Chelsea first up in the leagueCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunOLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER, 2018Solskjaer’s first Premier League match was a visit to one of his former clubs – Cardiff City.And he got off to the best start imaginable when Marcus Rashford fired United ahead in the third minute.Things got better and better with Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard scoring twice in a 5-1 victory.The Norwegian went unbeaten in his first 12 league games, winning ten to help him land the job on a permanent basis.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his interim reign off to a brilliant start at CardiffCredit: APJOSE MOURINHO, 2016Like Solskjaer, Mourinho also got off to a fantastic start in the Premier League.He won his first three games, including an opening day victory at Bournemouth, winning 3-1 with goals from Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.The Red Devils shot to the top of the table after the win but would be no match for Manchester City in the title race that season.Jose Mourinho also started well but could not maintain his early successCredit: PALOUIS VAN GAAL, 2014It was a disaster for Van Gaal in his first game – a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City at Old Trafford.And things did not get better soon after for the Dutchman with draws against Sunderland and Burnley before he finally got his first Premier League win over QPR.In fairness, he did have to start a back three of Tyler Blackett, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling against the Swans, with Lingard and Javier Hernandez also being forced off with injury.Louis van Gaal is one of just two United managers to lose his first Premier League game in chargeCredit: PARYAN GIGGS, 2014The legendary winger stepped in to finish off the ill-fated 2013-14 season, replacing David Moyes for the final four Premier League games.That started with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford with Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata grabbing two each while Carrick started in midfield.Player-manager Giggs then lost 1-0 at Sunderland, beat Hull 3-1 and finished his brief tenure with a 1-1 draw away to Southampton.Ryan Giggs saw off Norwich in his first match as player-managerCredit: AFPDAVID MOYES, 2013David Moyes showed Van Gaal how to mastermind a win over Swansea, beating the Welsh side 4-1 away.Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck both scored twice for a star-studded United side which included Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Carrick.But the Red Devils’ Premier League form under Moyes quickly unravelled with defeats against Liverpool, Manchester City and West Brom in his first six matches.After beating Swansea David Moyes failed to build on his dream startCredit: GettySIR ALEX FERGUSON, 1992A 2-1 loss to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane kicked off a new era for English football as the first-ever Premier League match.Brian Deane had the honour of scoring the first-ever Premier League goal in the fifth minute and added a second via the penalty spot before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Hughes pulled one back after the break but it was not enough to prevent defeat.Despite the setback, United went on to win the league that season – although it would take something remarkable for Amorim to follow suit come MaySir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League era kicked off with a shock defeat at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Three winners and three losers as Ruben Amorim immediately makes his mark on Man Utd ahead of first game vs Ipswich

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM has sparked a lot of excitement before he has even taken charge of his first game as Manchester United manager.The two-time league winner with Sporting Lisbon saw his team beat Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League before departing at the start of the international break to take over at Old Trafford.Ruben Amorim has been getting to grips with his new Man Utd squad in their first training sessionsCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford are among those who Amorim has already worked withCredit: GettyRashford is set to be one of the big winners under the Amorim regimeCredit: RexBut the new change of coach could be bad news for Joshua ZirkzeeCredit: GettyThe 39-year-old has drawn many similarities to ex-Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho, particularly in his demeanour.This is something which SunSport revealed has left stars “blown away” even before he took his first training session at Carrington with stars who are not on international duty.However, to add to the excitement before the Portuguese tactician makes his bow on Sunday against Ipswich, the club released a video of him taking training that has gone viral on social media.But we actually don’t need a video to know what players will benefit and who may find themselves out in the cold. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThroughout his career so far at Casa Pia, Braga and Sporting, Amorim has favoured a 3-4-3 shape with two so-called No 10s rather than wingers.Below, we consider which three players are likely to benefit from the new tactical approach and which three players will find playing time hard to come by under Amorim.Winner: Bruno FernandesBruno Fernandes joined Man Utd from Sporting in January 2020 only months before Amorim arrived in Lisbon, and has been a talismanic figure at Old Trafford since.The 30-year-old has made no secret of the fact he still considers himself a fan of the Portuguese club.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis means that out of all of the squad at United, he is the one who probably best understands what Amorim is all about from a tactical point of view.When Amorim was first announced as the new coach at United there was an immediate sense that Fernandes would be one of the players most at threat from a tactical perspective. Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsAfter all, he does not fit as one of two deeper midfielders and there was an initial understanding that Amorim favoured wingers as the main support for the main striker. Instead, given Amorim prefers to use two narrow 10s behind the striker who have freedom to drift and move, this suddenly feels like the perfect role for Fernandes to fill at United.Bruno Fernandes will be able to get into zones where he is most effective like he managed against LeicesterA free role in the final third of the pitch is where Fernandes has thrived since arriving in England, with his maverick approach to attacking too unpredictable for defenders to read.We fully expect to see Fernandes continue to be one of the most important attacking players at United going forward.Winner: Manuel UgarteIf Fernandes is likely to benefit from an understanding of Amorim’s game mode, then arguably Manuel Ugarte has an even bigger benefit in that he previously played for Amorim in Lisbon.He made the initial move to Paris Saint-Germain following his time in Portugal and then moved to United this summer after struggling to adapt to life in Ligue 1 – though still had the most tackles per 90 from anyone in the league with at least 900 minutes played.Amorim has a clear preference for playing a two-man double pivot in the midfield with two players who are combative but comfortable covering a lot of ground. This is essentially the perfect role for Ugarte who is not the most progressive passer or most attacking of midfielders.Manuel Ugarte will be expected to cover a lot of ground, which he is used to from his time at SportingInstead, he is at his best when working to break up play and cover space before playing it simply when he does take possession of the ball.Ugarte has shown more of what he can do paired with Casemiro in a two-man midfield under Ruud van Nistelrooy, and more of the same can be expected doing forward as he will likely become the key midfielder enforcer for United under Amorim.Winner: Marcus RashfordWhile the more central positions the two most advanced midfielders will take under Amorim will be beneficial to the likes of Fernandes, it is less clear how this will affect Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Antony and Marcus Rashford. The aforementioned training video appeared to show Rashford leading the attack as a central striker in a training drill.With neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee really impressing so far this season, the positioning of Rashford as a true No 9 may be a move of genius.While Rashford is not the most comfortable when playing with his back to goal and looking to link the play and bring others into the game, he is dangerous with his movement when looking to make runs to attack space in behind. Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man UtdWHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers. The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.This is the role that we are likely to see for Rashford under Amorim. At Sporting, we saw Viktor Gyokeres score an incredible number of goals under Amorim playing as a striker who wants to pull on the shoulder of the last defender and make runs beyond to attack space. With Rashford set to be a more central option going forward, his on-the-shoulder runs should prove effective in Amorim’s systemRashford is likely to have a similar profile as the main striker which may allow him to fully realise his potential and become a key attacking player at United.Being reinvented as a central striker with two close 10s to support him may see Rashford regain his form in front of goal.Loser: Joshua ZirkzeeThis one may come as something of a surprise given the fact Zirkzee only moved to United this summer from Bologna.Zirkzee is a forward who is very much more comfortable when dropping into deeper positions to support in the midfield and link the play in deeper areas. In this regard, he is almost the exact opposite to Rashford or Hojlund who are more aggressive attacking players.Zirkzee has struggled to fully establish himself as an attacking player at United so far this season, with just one goal to his name on his debut against Fulham.Indeed, there has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the possibility of Zirkzee making a move back to Serie A on loan. For the attacking shape and system under Amorim to work fully he needs a more aggressive striker who will play on the shoulder of the last defender and threaten to attack space behind the defensive line with space. Zirkzee’s style of linking the midfield means he does not fit being the lead striker in Amorim’s systemWith Rashford and Hojlund playing as central strikers it is likely Zirkzee will struggle for game time in that position going forward under Amorim.Although, given Amorim is known to be flexible with the players at his disposal, and may see fit to retrofit Zirkzee as one of his two No10s in an effort to get the best out of him.Loser: Christian EriksenFor this choice we could have gone with either Christian Eriksen or Casemiro. Both are midfielders that are coming closer to the end of their careers than the start and neither are well known, at this stage in their career at least, for their mobility in central areas. The tactical system used by Amorim will often see the two central midfielders outnumbered centrally.Consequently, they will be expected to cover a great deal of space in both the defensive and attacking phases of the game to compensate for this.This means that the likes of Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo – who showed strong defensive stats before his injury this season – will be more suited to the style of play and the system than Eriksen. The Dane is still a good passer who can progress the play, break lines and bring value in the final third when breaking down teams playing in a deeper block. Christian Eriksen is prone to being exposed in midfield when left isolated to defend spaceThe issue is that the two more advanced midfielders will come inside and play in the areas Erkisen would typically look to occupy as he moved forward.Therefore, Eriksen will likely struggle to force his way into the team regularly, with Casemiro likely to be the first backup to Mainoo and Ugarte as the two midfielders.Loser: Alejandro GarnachoWith the change of system and game model under Amorim we will see a change in expectations and profiles of the players that will thrive under the Portuguese coach. This could mean a high profile player at United will struggle to get regular game time and nail down a specific role across the rest of the season. That player is Alejandro Garnacho. The 20-year-old winger has three goals and one assist in the league this season.But he is much more suited to a more traditional winger role where he is free to play in space and look to stretch opposition defences with his pace.Under Amorim, as we have already touched upon, the likes of Bruno Fernandes fit the profile of advanced and attacking midfielders.But Garnacho is more of an individual player than one who looks to connect and combine with teammates. While Garnacho is likely to be tried in this role we believe that it is unlikely that he will be effective given that he wants to play on the shoulder of the defenders to make runs to attack space, and this is the role of the striker under Amorim. There is an argument that Garnacho could also be used as wing-back but we do not believe that he would be strong here given his lack of defensive instincts.Garnacho is wide on the left against Leicester and has three options to combine with teammates but tries to drive to the line in possession and is easily dispossessedWe believe that under Amorim it is likely that Garnacho will be played in the first instance but given his specific profile we believe that he is likely to drop out of the starting team in the short to medium term.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionAt this stage of their career at United, it is likely Amorim and his coaching staff will be painstakingly assessing the squad to decide which players fit what they are looking to do.It will be interesting to see whether Amorim can conjure up any surprises for stars who could become a key part of his system.Ten Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8m More