United View: Amorim era underway

Ruben Amorim waited for all of his players and staff before walking over to applaud the travelling Manchester United fans on Sunday.

A display of unity following a 1-1 draw against Ipswich in his first game in charge, later suggesting his side will need to suffer before they can move forward.

After being announced as Manchester United head coach almost a month ago, their excitement for Amorim’s arrival has been palpable. Still, Sunday was a severe reality check that there will be no quick fix for the Reds.

A Marcus Rashford goal in the second minute got United off to a dream start for their new manager, but they were unable to build upon their early advantage and Ipswich ended the first half the stronger of the two sides.

Omari Hutchinson levelled the game just before the break, thanks to a fantastic effort just outside the box, even if a slight touch off Noussair Mazraoui knocked the ball off its normal trajectory and just out of reach of Andre Onana.

Onana would have likely saved this, but Ipswich deserved their goal. Liam Delap was twice denied from point-blank range by the Cameroonian, showing why he’s been one of the club’s top performers this season.

Some alterations in the second half saw United gain more control but were unable to create anything meaningful. Manuel Ugarte added more athleticism, along with simpler passing. One thing Amorim dislikes is losing the ball from central positions.

Following the game Amorim pointed to the fact that his team are trying to learn a new way of playing whilst only having two training sessions, suggesting some of his players were thinking too much and that things will improve in time.

“I know it’s frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much at this moment with a lot of games. We are going to suffer for a long period, and we will try to win games, this will take time, but I know we have to win games, we could win, we could lose if not for Onana.”

As his players are trying to learn his new system, he is learning who he can and can’t depend on. There will be much tinkering over the coming weeks as he finds the perfect balance with this squad.

Another important quote from Amorim was when he said, “We have two ways. We forget the new idea and try to cope so next year we have the same problems. Or we start now, we risk a little bit, we suffer a little bit and this time next year we will be better at this point.”

Fans and the media can often be impatient and with the hype around Amorim, it’s naïve to believe United’s problems will be solved immediately. As a coach arriving mid-season and with little time to implement his ideas, teething problems are to be expected. However, he’ll need to pick up results on the way to afford himself time, something which Amorim himself recognises.

United now face a busy period as the Christmas period approaches, without a free midweek until at least January. On the one hand, it gives Amorim limited time to implement his philosophy, although more games could mean more opportunities to embed his new system.

The new manager has also insinuated that those who didn’t play in the game will be training the following day, also that there will be much rotation in the coming weeks.

United next take on Norwegian side Bodo Glimt on Thursday, before hosting Everton on Sunday which will be the home fan’s introduction to Ruben Amorim and on paper, two very favourable fixtures for the Portuguese manager and his new-look Manchester United side.