Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, recently received a range of advice regarding his team selections during Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.
At 39 years old, Amorim, who has committed to a contract with United through June 2027 with an option for an additional season, is preparing for his first match in charge of United, set for Sunday, November 24, against Ipswich Town.
Amorim is set to officially begin his role with the team on Monday, November 11. This early start means he’ll spend substantial time at United’s Carrington training facility, working closely with the squad before leading them on a four-hour journey to Portman Road for his debut match later in the month.
Given Amorim’s background as a Portuguese manager, expectations are high that one of his former players from Sporting Lisbon,
Manuel Ugarte, will see more minutes in United’s first team. Ugarte, a midfielder who made a name for himself under Amorim’s guidance as one of Europe’s top defensive midfielders, transferred to United in the summer. However, despite high hopes, he has struggled to consistently perform at the level expected since his arrival.
Familiar with Amorim’s preferred tactical setups, particularly the 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formations, Ugarte has often been placed in lineups where he can maximize his defensive skills.
However, despite this alignment, fans have expressed concern about his chemistry with United’s more seasoned midfielder, Casemiro. Supporters took to social media during the Chelsea match, noting the apparent issues in the partnership between Ugarte and Casemiro, especially in offensive collaboration. Many observed that the two didn’t complement each other well on the field, particularly when it came to attacking transitions.
One fan, summarizing the frustration of many, commented on social media, “A Ugarte-Casemiro double pivot might be one of the worst combinations possible.” This sentiment highlights a broader skepticism among fans about whether the current pairing can meet the high demands of Premier League play.
Concerns largely focus on Ugarte’s apparent difficulty in adapting to the fast-paced nature of the league, especially given his struggles since his transfer to United.
As Amorim starts to integrate his philosophy into United’s game, supporters hope he will address these issues, especially if the club continues to rely on the Ugarte-Casemiro partnership.
With the Premier League’s demanding schedule, Amorim’s ability to quickly assess and improve on-field relationships will be key to ensuring United remains competitive.
Many fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Amorim can effectively leverage his prior experience with Ugarte and whether he will adjust United’s tactics or formations to better suit the team’s strengths.
For now, anticipation builds as United gears up for a crucial period, with hopes that Amorim’s approach will bring positive changes to the squad’s dynamics and performances.
