‘They should be’ – Amroim sends warning to young Manchester United stars

Ruben Amorim described his philosophy and key priorities for the team in his first interview as Manchester United head coach.

The former Sporting CP boss spoke to MUTV after arriving in Manchester earlier this week.

With most of his squad away on international break, Amorim is tasked with preparing his team to face Ipswich in his first game next Sunday, November 24.

There is great excitement within the fanbase that a young exciting coach, aged 39, has the opportunity to work with a talented bunch of developing stars at Old Trafford.

During his first interview with in-house club media, Amorim was asked about five youngsters in his new squad – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro.

Amorim warned that these players cannot use age as an excuse for poor performances and argued they wouldn’t be at United if they didn’t have the right character or enough ability to shine on the biggest stage.

“I don’t want to say that we need time because we are a young team,” Amorim told MUTV. “They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United. They should be because they are here.

“We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games. But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That’s the goal.”

Ruben Amorim wants his team to have an identity

United were heavily criticised under Erik ten Hag for not having a clear identity. Pundits argued that they never knew what to expect from United from one week or another, but not in a positive sense. It was a matter of not knowing whether we would show up to the occasion or not.

Amorim has set his stalls out early by stressing his demands for the team, saying: “We must have an identity. If our players take the shirt, they will know that it is the Manchester United team. Everybody thinks the same, running back, playing, enjoying. This is what drives me.”

It bodes well that Amorim leaves a high-flying Sporting CP side, who remain unbeaten in the Primeira Liga. They also beat Man City 4-1 in the Champions League in his final home game as manager.

Relationship with INEOS

It has been clear since Ten Hag’s sacking that INEOS wanted Amorim and they wasted no time getting their man.

Amorim admitted: “Sir Jim [Ratcliffe] and Sir Dave [Brailsford], but especially Omar [Berrada], Dan [Ashworth] and Jason [Wilcox] – I felt a connection and I felt we are in the same moment. We want to do something special in the special club. So I think that was a key point.”