“They Are Prepared…” – Ruben Amorim disagrees Erik ten Hag’s Assessment of Five Manchester United Players

Ruben Amorim has officially taken charge as Manchester United’s new head coach, stepping into the spotlight this week with his first major interview. As the Portuguese manager begins his journey at Old Trafford, he has already set a different tone compared to his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, particularly when it comes to the club’s talented young players.

During Erik ten Hag’s tenure, the Dutchman made a point of integrating young talent into the squad, with players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo shining as key examples. However, Ten Hag often tempered expectations around these young players, emphasizing the need for patience.

Speaking in October, just weeks before his dismissal, Ten Hag commented on the challenges of working with a youthful team:

“We made the choice for younger players, and you can’t expect them to be at the (top) level. We have to improve them, and they have to improve themselves. This team has shown what they can do with patience, but we need more consistency to win trophies.”

His words reflected a cautious approach, one that prioritized steady progress over immediate results. However, Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he sees things differently.

In his first interview with the club, Amorim was asked about the young players he now has at his disposal, including Garnacho, Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Leny Yoro, and Rasmus Højlund. Unlike Ten Hag, the 39-year-old showed no hesitation in declaring his full faith in their abilities:

“I don’t want to say that we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared. They are ready to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United – they should be because they are here.”

Amorim’s comments reflect a belief that talent, not age, determines readiness. His track record at Sporting Lisbon backs up his philosophy. There, he consistently promoted young players and gave them the confidence to thrive on the biggest stages.

One of Amorim’s standout traits is his commitment to his squad. He made it clear during the interview that he will always stand by his players, both publicly and behind closed doors:

“I will do everything for the team. I will defend my players if I have to all the time, against everybody. That is a key point for me.”

This approach is likely to resonate well with the Manchester United dressing room. By showing unwavering trust and support, Amorim hopes to build a strong bond with his players, creating a united team ready to take on challenges together.

Amorim’s first Premier League test will come against Ipswich Town next weekend, a match that many fans will be eagerly watching to see how the new manager’s ideas translate onto the pitch. With a squad rich in young talent and potential, Amorim has the tools to succeed.

The busy schedule ahead will demand a balance between nurturing young players and delivering consistent results. However, Amorim’s refusal to use youth as an excuse suggests he is ready to hit the ground running.

As he concluded his interview, Amorim highlighted his ultimate goal:

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

Manchester United is entering a new chapter under Ruben Amorim, and the fans can expect a fresh approach. With a focus on empowering young players and a determination to restore the club to its former glory, Amorim has already made his vision clear.

Whether his bold stance will bring the consistency United has been craving remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Amorim is ready to embrace the challenge head-on.