Ruben Amorim was appointed Manchester United head coach on 1 November 2024.
As Ruben Amorim marks his first anniversary as head coach of Manchester United, there is genuine cause for optimism.
Throughout the trials of the past year, the 40-year-old’s capacity for laughter has remained a defining characteristic.
Amorim chuckled, albeit with a hint of embarrassment, when his phone alarm disrupted a press conference in Kuala Lumpur in May, as the president of the South East Asia Football Federation welcomed United to Malaysia for their post-season tour.
He laughed last month when questioned if the Pope had reached out following the victory over Chelsea, a day after stating that not even the Holy Father could persuade him to alter his controversial 3-4-2-1 formation.
He even smiled when delivering his now-famous “the storm will come” remarks last December, foretelling the challenges United would encounter in implementing his strategies.
Amorim was once again in good spirits before Saturday’s match against Nottingham Forest – precisely one year since his appointment – as he explained his disposition.
“It’s part of my character,” he stated. “I also know many expect to see me arrive with a face that [shows] I’m suffering. I prefer to do the opposite.
“I will not change who I am. It’s how I perceive things. I live my life this way, always believing something can change.”
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What do fans think about it?
According to those close to Amorim, his jovial and optimistic attitude is genuine, not a facade masking anxiety.
Aside from particularly challenging periods – which insiders suggest have been fewer than outsiders might assume in a year where United have won 22 games and lost 21 – Amorim is seen as a positive influence at Carrington.
It is said that he rarely becomes withdrawn.
More common are instances like this week, where he actively participated in defender Patrick Dorgu’s birthday celebrations.
While the atmosphere has not fully returned to the era of Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew virtually every staff member by name, or even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose familiarity stemmed from his playing days, it underscores that Amorim views his role expansively, beyond simply achieving results and isolating himself with his Portuguese coaching staff.
This perspective may arise from the fact that the pressures of managing Sporting in Lisbon or one of the world’s biggest clubs pale in comparison to the day his playing career ended prematurely due to injury, forcing him and his wife to calculate how they would support their young family.
Amorim’s unwavering commitment is evident after home games, where he dedicates considerable time to taking selfies and signing autographs for every fan who has patiently waited, regardless of the weather.
Additionally, he has instructed his players to engage with supporters upon their arrival at Old Trafford.
He considers this interaction a duty and expresses personal gratitude for the support he has received, which he finds surprising and deeply appreciates.
Generally, after matches, Amorim joins his players in acknowledging supporters following both victories and defeats, sharing responsibility. However, in triumphs, he prefers to return to the dressing room and allow his players to receive the accolades.
“Very human. Very kind,” is the assessment of one observer with extensive experience at Premier League clubs. “He makes an effort.”
Had Amorim’s anniversary been marked on 1 October, the prevailing assessment would have been largely negative.
At that juncture, only Tottenham among the 17 teams that remained in the Premier League throughout his tenure had amassed fewer points than United’s 34 from 33 games. After three consecutive victories, Wolves and West Ham now also trail them.
On Thursday, Amorim received his first nomination for manager of the month. During his press conference, he addressed the possibility of Champions League qualification.
A victory at the City Ground would propel United to second place.
Even if only momentarily, it would mark their highest position mid-season since a win at West Ham in September 2021, immediately preceding Solskjaer’s decline.
Amorim cautioned against overinterpreting his team’s recent form. However, three successive wins, coupled with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “three-year” comments, suggest that the chronicle of his first year is not an epitaph.
A month ago, a private critique from a source close to the dressing room suggested that Amorim’s captivating press conferences were his only strength.
Yet, while entertaining, this aspect of the job is his least favorite. He is emotional, which manifests after games. However, apart from solemn moments, when speaking on behalf of the club on important matters, his words are unscripted.
His jovial nature contrasts with his intense and serious demeanor on the training ground – and his somewhat detached presence at times.
Last season, during media access to the first 15 minutes of training before European games, it was noted that Amorim observed the routine sprints and rondos independently, from a separate pitch, sometimes 50 yards away.
This, it is explained, is partly because he has no direct role but also because he uses the time to contemplate the messaging he will convey during the main session.
Footage from his first training session last November shows Amorim instructing midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on the precise number of strides to take after making a pass, and how to position his body to maximize passing angles.
This summer, sources indicated that there were instances where two players occupied the same positions in training before Amorim walked them through different scenarios to ensure they moved into the correct areas of the pitch.
While this might seem unusual, it makes sense given Amorim’s clear understanding of which players fit into specific roles within his team.
That initial recorded session also showcased Amorim’s focus on speed in transition, particularly defensive turnovers.
Finally, with breaks between games allowing for full weeks of preparation, this reinforced messaging is yielding results. The setbacks at Grimsby and Brentford appear to be outliers rather than the norm.
United officials affirm, as they have consistently throughout the past year, that there has never been an internal discussion regarding Amorim’s future. The club’s hierarchy, from Ratcliffe down, is supportive. The season’s objective remains European qualification.
However, have there been moments when Amorim himself questioned whether he would reach this milestone?
“It’s difficult to say,” he admitted. “There were times that were challenging to deal with, losing so many games was difficult for me because this is Manchester United.
“Focusing all our attention on the Europa League and not winning it was a major blow.
“So, I experienced moments where I struggled a lot and questioned whether it was meant to be. Today, it’s the opposite. Today, I feel – and know – that it was the best decision of my life, and I want to be here.”
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