Ruben Amorim is adapting his approach at Manchester United to address the challenges of a packed schedule and limited training time. With the team facing a demanding fixture list, the new manager has implemented innovative strategies to ensure his players quickly grasp his tactics while managing their fitness.
Amorim has introduced walking and jogging through patterns of play for players unable to engage in full training sessions. This method, coupled with concise video analysis, helps the squad assimilate his tactical vision without overburdening them physically. He acknowledges that attention spans can wane during lengthy video sessions, so he combines these with on-pitch walkthroughs to reinforce key ideas. His assistants also play a crucial role, focusing on individual and positional coaching to refine specific aspects of each player’s game.
The manager’s philosophy revolves around utilizing every available opportunity to train and improve. “If you cannot run, you can jog,” Amorim emphasizes, highlighting his commitment to incremental progress even during recovery periods. His staff’s involvement is critical, with specialists like Carlos Fernandes working closely with the strikers to enhance their performance through tailored guidance.
Amorim’s approach was evident during United’s Europa League victory over Bodø/Glimt, his first win as manager. The match showcased his willingness to adapt, as he used all five substitutes Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Luke Shaw to manage the players’ fitness levels. Despite the rotation, Amorim remains resolute about the need to balance recovery with performance, especially with Everton visiting Old Trafford after a full week of preparation.
“We have to use subs to manage fitness, not the game,” Amorim explained, indicating the necessity of prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains. He praised the team’s gradual improvement, noting how players like Mason Mount demonstrated high-intensity pressing for 60 minutes, while others like Rasmus Højlund pushed themselves to the limit.
Højlund, who scored twice against Bodø/Glimt to double his season tally, is thriving under Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, which aligns with his previous experience at Atalanta. The Danish forward expressed enthusiasm for the tactical setup, describing it as complementary to his style of play. He also highlighted the key differences between Amorim’s approach and that of former manager Erik ten Hag, particularly in pressing strategies. Under Amorim, the focus is more forward-oriented, requiring Højlund to adapt his positioning and decision-making.
The 21-year-old striker remains ambitious about his development, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with wearing the No. 9 shirt. “I want to take the next level and the next step,” Højlund said, while recognizing he has room to grow. His celebration against Bodø/Glimt a thumbs-up and thumb-down gesture was inspired by the film Gladiator, which he recently watched with the Danish national team.
Amorim is clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, with a relentless fixture schedule leaving no clear midweek breaks until March’s international window. Yet, he remains confident in his methods and the team’s ability to adapt. While fatigue is an inevitable factor, he views it as an opportunity for growth, pushing the players to build fitness and understanding through match play. Players who see limited game time, such as Luke Shaw, are expected to compensate with additional training sessions to maintain their readiness.
This pragmatic approach reflects Amorim’s broader vision of maximizing every resource at his disposal. He understands that success hinges not only on tactical proficiency but also on fostering a belief in his players. By combining detailed individual feedback with structured team sessions, Amorim aims to fast-track United’s progression and establish a cohesive identity under his leadership.
