Ruben Amorim has done a “great” job at Sporting, but managing Manchester United “is five steps forward”, says Sky Sports’ Paul Merson.
The Portuguese coach seems ready to take over at Old Trafford and become the permanent successor to Erik ten Hag, who was fired on Monday. Merson is impressed with the two-time title winner but says the pressure at United will be a whole new challenge for Amorim.
“He did a great job at Sporting,” Merson said. “This will be different. No disrespect. They play against Porto and Benfica and that’s it. He comes as manager of one of the biggest clubs in the world. We saw it with Ten Hag: brilliant at Ajax, come to Man Utd , win one, draw one, lose one and you’re under pressure. There’s still a lot of work to do. This is five steps up.
“Will Amorim be different from the managers who came before him? I don’t know if he will. He has done well in Portugal and done everything well. His team did very well against Arsenal last year. But this is different .It’s hard to explain.” .
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“We have seen with all these managers that you are under heavy pressure every match. As a football team they are nowhere near those heights. One of the biggest football clubs in the world with a football team that is just above average.” I can’t emphasize enough how far behind the big boys they are right now.”
Merson says the magnitude of the task facing Amorim – with United currently seven points clear of the top four – means Champions League qualification is almost out of reach. In fact, Merson believes it would be a great season of coaching for the new boss if he were to post a top-four finish this season.
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Ben Ransom provides the latest update on Manchester United’s search for Ruben Amorim, with an announcement expected to be made today.
“I would be surprised if they finished in the top four,” Merson said. “You could put Pep Guardiola in charge at Man Utd but he can’t turn it around that much. It will take time.
“They have to build and build so that within three to four years United will be back where they need to be, fighting for the Premier League titles. They have to be patient and bring in players steadily.”
“If they make it to the top four, he would have been tearing down trees and should be knighted by our king!”
Amorim’s priority
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Sky Sports senior football journalist Peter Smith looks at whether Ruben Amorim could achieve the same success at Sporting with the Man Utd squad.
Merson says Amorim’s priority upon his arrival is to coach the players in a clear playing style, something he believes Ten Hag never achieved during his tenure.
“Making the players understand how they want to play,” Merson said when asked about Amorim’s first main goal at United.
“I watch Man Utd play and there has been no identity for a long time. He has to come in, convey his ideas and start playing as a team. They don’t push each other. He has to make sure everyone understands.” the way he wants to play.
“I don’t think anyone could sit there and tell me what Man Utd are trying to do. Chelsea versus Newcastle, you know what they’re trying to do. That manager has been there for two or three months.”
“They have to learn to walk first. There will be great times in the next two or three months where they play sparkling football and win games, but it will be up and down. I don’t know how. It will take a long time, but it won’t stop.” happen on a consistent basis from one day to the next.”
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gives his verdict on Manchester United’s pursuit of Ruben Amorim.
Essentials on the transfer market
Another key for Amorim is making the right moves in the transfer market, says Merson.
“Ten Hag has misunderstood the transfer market terribly. I’m trying to think who he brought in who was a huge success. They bought Antony for £80 million… That in itself is a dismissal!”
“They will need pace at the back (to play Amorim’s favored 3-4-3). They will push their wing-backs forward to help the midfield two. That’s where they probably need to recruit: pace at the back.”
“And they need a goalscorer. The two guys up front haven’t done it. Rasmus Hojlund is a young guy and Joshua Zirkzee hasn’t gotten much time yet, but they need a goalscorer.”
Man Utd’s next six games
- November 3: Chelsea (hr) 4.30pm, Premier League – live on Sky Sports
- November 7: PAOK (h) 8 p.m., Europa League
- November 10: Leicester (u) 2pm, Premier League
- November 24: Ipswich (a) 4.30pm, Premier League – live on Sky Sports
- November 28: Bodo/Glimt (u) 8 p.m., Europa League
- November 30: Everton (u) 1.30pm, Premier League