Manchester United’s fortunes are on the rise under Ruben Amorim as they head into the international break, but not all of his decisions at Old Trafford have been well-received. This became evident when a Red Devils legend criticised Amorim for not rehiring one of his former team-mates. It’s not just former United players whose opinions of the coach are shifting.
Reports suggest that current members of the United squad have also changed their views on Amorim following a heated reaction. Express Sport delves into these and other recent United headlines…
Ferdinand criticises Amorim’s decision
Rio Ferdinand didn’t hold back in questioning Amorim’s decision not to hire former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy after he took over at Old Trafford. As fans reflect on the manager’s first year at the helm of the Theatre of Dreams, some may wonder if things would have turned out differently with the Dutchman involved.
Van Nistelrooy had previously made a positive contribution to the team as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, even briefly taking charge as interim manager following his compatriot’s dismissal. However, Amorim chose not to retain Van Nistelrooy, preferring to bring in his own staff, a move that annoyed United stalwart Ferdinand.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “His [Van Nistelrooy’s] audition couldn’t have gone any better and I think, knowing him, there was a steely determination underneath that said, ‘I’m going to put myself in the best position, either to stay at the club in some capacity or someone else is going to say we need you as a manager.’ He looked the part and he produced.
“The players needed that. We’re in a time where there was a lot of turbulence, the manager’s [Ten Hag’s] relationships with some players seemed fractured and irreversible, and the fans seemed to have made their minds up that that was it.
“And the new manager comes in – and you always get that bounce – but this seemed a bit different from a bounce. The players had grown to really like him, they appreciated how he informed them of different bits and pieces – tactically, individually, as a team – and there was a genuine ‘we want to do well for this guy.'”
Squad change mind on Amorim
Positive transformation can occasionally emerge from setbacks. Amorim discovered this when the United squad reacted favourably to him destroying a television in the changing room after losing to Brighton last season.
Generally, Amorim presents himself as a calm figure who rarely appears rattled. However, that tranquillity has boundaries, and the squad witnessed exactly how angry their manager can become after a 3-1 home defeat to the Seagulls.
Yet rather than withdraw, reports suggested several United players responded positively to the outburst. It appeared the tirade left many with a stronger sense of just how deeply Amorim cared about the club’s performances, even if his demeanour didn’t always reflect it.
His personal take on Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary hairdryer treatment achieved its desired effect of awakening some fighting spirit amongst the squad. Though they would perhaps be wise to prevent Amorim from smashing too many television sets, considering United’s present financial limitations.
Ferdinand brands United star a ‘joke’
Following his recognition as the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October, Bryan Mbeumo is clearly thriving at Manchester. And it’s fair to say Ferdinand is delighted with what he’s witnessed from the Cameroon international.
Having netted four times in his previous four matches for United, few at Old Trafford can match the winger’s present purple patch. Ferdinand was effusive in his admiration for the forward after he contributed to United’s recent string of encouraging results.
“Mbeumo has been a joke,” declared the United legend on his channel. “He’s really stepped in there and become a mainstay. He’s someone who can give you two or three seconds on the ball to relieve pressure. He can score important goals and create chances.
“I saw Thomas Frank’s comments about him the other day, and Mbeumo nearly being a complete winger. I think by the end of this season, he’ll be one of the most complete wingers in the Premier League because he can do everything. He just needs to consistently do it in a United shirt.”