Amorim wants to recreate glory days of Busby and Ferguson

Ruben Amorim says his first task at Manchester United is to create an identity familiar with the club’s glorious past.

The Portuguese has kept a low profile after starting work as successor to Erik ten Hag on Monday but broke cover to give an interview to MUTV.

In it, he spoke about his excitement at being chosen by Ineos to lead a new period in United’s history and he believes a key element in that is reverting to a playing style that proved so successful under the likes of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.

United were regularly accused of lacking an identity under Ten Hag and Amorim says that has to change.

Ruben Amorim.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 15, 2024

He said: “The most important thing for me at this moment is to create the principles, the identity and the character we had in the past.

“We will focus a lot on our game model – how to play, how to press, these small things. You cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. But if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, it is identity.”

He added: “I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs.

“And I believe a lot that we are going to succeed.”

History is important to understanding United

Amorim was filmed visiting the club museum earlier this week and he believes understanding United’s history – from the 20 league titles to the Munich air crash – is a must for anyone wanting to succeed at Old Trafford.

“You see the trophies and you see the tragedy that we have as a club,” he said. “You understand the history, after the crash, then we were European champions. It is important to put this kind of strength in the team.

“When the players come here, they should make the same tour. It is very important. You have to feel this is Manchester United.”

The chosen one

Amorim is the first head coach chosen by the new Ineos structure that includes the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.

The 39-year-old, who led Sporting CP to two Primeira Liga titles, said: “We want to do something special in a special club – that was a key point.

“When Manchester United told me about their plans, you get excited. We know if the team plays well and wins games, everything looks so much better and the people really start to believe in the new stadium and new ideas.

“It’s a real honour that I was the first choice to start that path.”

Due to the international break, Amorim’s first game in charge will not come until next Sunday when United visit Ipswich Town.