What did we learn from Ruben Amorim’s first Manchester United game?
A new era dawned for Manchester United on a crisp afternoon at Portman Road, but the early spark of Ruben Amorim’s debut fizzled into familiar frustrations. The 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town—a side led by former United assistant Kieran McKenna—offered glimpses of the Portuguese coach’s vision but also highlighted the challenges ahead. Marcus Rashford’s lightning-fast opener, scored just 81 seconds in, was a thrilling start to Amorim’s tenure, but Omari Hutchinson’s deflected equaliser and Ipswich’s spirited resistance left United with as many questions as answers.
For Amorim, whose appointment was greeted with hopes of transformation, this was a baptism of fire in the relentless pace and unpredictability of the Premier League. His introduction of a bold 3-5-2 system brought flashes of ingenuity but exposed frailties that will require time and patience to address. As the dust settles on a debut brimming with emotion and intrigue, one thing is clear—Amorim’s Manchester United project will be a journey, not a quick fix.
Ruben Amorim’s Opening Game
Amorim’s Background
Ruben Amorim’s journey to becoming Manchester United’s manager has been nothing short of remarkable, blending ambition, tactical evolution, and meteoric success. After a solid playing career, Amorim wasted no time transitioning to coaching, quickly earning his licence and attending courses in psychomotor education to better understand player movement and mental conditioning.
His early experience included a stint with José Mourinho at Manchester United, where he observed firsthand the demands of a top-tier club environment. He began his managerial career with Casa Pia in Portugal’s third division, where a rough start nearly ended his ambitions. However, a last-ditch switch to a back-three formation proved transformative, sparking a long unbeaten run and unveiling the tactical flexibility that would become his hallmark.
Amorim’s breakthrough came with Braga, where he moved rapidly from the B team to the senior side in 2019. There, he earned praise for his bold, pressing style and knack for adapting to game dynamics. Within months, he had led Braga to a League Cup win over Porto and secured their first away victory over Benfica in 65 years. His success at Braga didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2020, Sporting Lisbon secured his services for a reported €10 million, making him one of the most expensive managers ever.
At Sporting, Amorim’s methods took full flight. His focus on youth development, high pressing, and fluid formations brought Sporting their first league title in nearly two decades, setting records and renewing pride at the club. With his reputation cemented by back-to-back successes and an impressive Champions League run, Amorim’s name was inevitably linked to bigger roles.
When United parted ways with Erik ten Hag, they saw in Amorim a manager who could build a cohesive, dynamic team—a style that resonated with the club’s ambitions. Now, with his tactical prowess and unyielding drive, he is set to bring fresh momentum to Old Trafford.
An electric start
Ruben Amorim couldn’t have scripted a better opening to his Manchester United tenure—Marcus Rashford, operating as the central striker, scored just 81 seconds into the game. It was a move straight from the training ground: Amad Diallo, in a surprising wing-back role, surged down the right, leaving defenders in his wake before delivering a pinpoint cross that Rashford turned into the net. The United fans erupted, chanting Amorim’s name with the fervour of believers greeting a prophet. Yet, as the minutes ticked by, the electric start fizzled into a performance riddled with old habits and uncertainties.
The use of Amorim’s trusted 3-5-2 formation
True to his roots, Amorim deployed the 3-5-2 formation that brought him so much success in Portugal. It was a bold move, especially considering United’s patchwork defensive lineup. Noussair Mazraoui, typically a full-back, was drafted into the back three, while Amad Diallo was tasked with the defensive and offensive responsibilities of a wing-back. The system showed promise in bursts, particularly in the build-up to Rashford’s goal, but the execution was inconsistent. Ipswich’s compact midfield frequently disrupted United’s rhythm, and the defensive trio, particularly Jonny Evans, looked vulnerable when stretched.
Can Rashford be the striker in this system?
Rashford’s early goal hinted at a resurgence, but his overall performance raised questions about his suitability as the focal point in Amorim’s setup. His movement off the ball lacked conviction at times, and his interplay with teammates was hit-and-miss. Rashford’s pace and finishing ability make him a natural goal threat, but he struggled to consistently provide the hold-up play or positional discipline Amorim’s system demands. With Rasmus Højlund offering a contrasting profile, the debate over United’s best No. 9 is far from settled.
Luke Shaw will play a key role when fit
One bright spot in the second half was the return of Luke Shaw, who made his first appearance of the season. Introduced to man-mark Ipswich’s lively Omari Hutchinson, Shaw brought a composure and defensive solidity United had sorely missed. Operating as a left-sided centre-back, Shaw’s versatility and understanding of space will be vital as Amorim seeks to refine his three-at-the-back system. His ability to progress the ball and cover defensively will likely make him a cornerstone of Amorim’s tactical blueprint.
Passion in the press room
If there’s one thing Ruben Amorim doesn’t lack, it’s passion. Whether crouching on the touchline for a closer view of the action or gesticulating wildly at his players, the Portuguese coach wore his emotions on his sleeve throughout the match. In the post-game press conference, he candidly admitted that United were “thinking too much” during the game, a natural consequence of implementing a new system on limited preparation. Amorim’s honesty and clarity struck a chord, but his warning was clear: “We are going to suffer for a long period. We will try to win games, but this will take time.”
What comes next?
- Thursday, November 28, 2024: Hosting FK Bodø/Glimt at Old Trafford in the UEFA Europa League.
- Sunday, December 1, 2024: Facing Everton at Old Trafford in Amorim’s first Premier League home game.
- Wednesday, December 4, 2024: Traveling to the Emirates Stadium to play Arsenal in the Premier League.
- Saturday, December 7, 2024: Hosting Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
- Sunday, December 15, 2024: Competing in the Manchester Derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Amorim’s debut showcased both the potential of his vision and the scale of the task ahead. The idea is there, but as fans at Portman Road saw, its full execution is still a work in progress.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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Ruben Amorim is ready for his Man Utd experience and looks like it's going to be a tough one! pic.twitter.com/QLKKdg1GjQ
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 16, 2024
