Rúben Amorim Insists on Final Say in Manchester United Transfers
Rúben Amorim has made it clear that he expects to have the ultimate authority on transfer decisions at Manchester United, despite being given the title of head coach rather than manager. The Portuguese tactician, who recently arrived from Sporting CP, is stepping into a revamped structure at Old Trafford that includes sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
In his first press conference as United’s head coach, Amorim didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: his role in recruitment. While a source told ESPN that Amorim will have a voice in transfer decisions, his influence will reportedly be less than that of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag. Instead, the recruitment process will be spearheaded by Ashworth and Wilcox, leaving Amorim to navigate a more collaborative approach.
But Amorim isn’t one to take a backseat. Speaking to the media on Friday, he emphasized the importance of having the final say on player additions and departures. “Everybody has to work together, and for that, we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want,” Amorim said. “But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it’s all together, but the final word should be the manager.”
He continued, “Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it’s all together to improve the process of recruitment. I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”
Amorim’s Confidence Amid United’s Struggles
Amorim appeared calm and confident during his first media appearance, even as he prepares to take charge of a team sitting 13th in the Premier League table. His first test comes on Sunday against Ipswich Town, and while the task ahead is daunting, Amorim expressed belief in the squad he’s inherited.
“I have belief in the players,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of taking over a team that has struggled under Erik ten Hag. However, he also admitted that the players might have lost belief in themselves after a rocky start to the season. “That’s for sure, but this is normal in every team,” he explained. “When you don’t win games, you start to be suspicious of the way of playing. You can understand when they walk to the game or the warm-up, you can feel if they are confident or not, so that is a normal thing.”
Amorim is determined to help the players regain their confidence, though he knows it won’t happen overnight. “I think I have to help them to feel that. It will take time, but they are ready to cope with the demands of the Premier League because they have proved that,” he said. “You can see even this year and last year sometimes they have a bad first half, and then in the second half, without any tactical change, they will turn up and change things. They have to find the mindset to play this way through all the game.”
What’s Next for Manchester United?
Amorim’s arrival marks a new chapter for Manchester United, but it’s clear that the road ahead won’t be easy. The revamped structure at the club, with Ashworth and Wilcox playing key roles, signals a shift in how decisions are made. While Amorim is determined to have the final say on transfers, the collaborative approach could either be a recipe for success or a source of tension.
As fans eagerly await Amorim’s debut against Ipswich Town, here are three key takeaways from his first press conference:
- Amorim’s Vision: He’s focused on improving the recruitment process and ensuring that the team’s needs align with his tactical philosophy.
- Confidence in the Squad: Despite United’s poor start to the season, Amorim believes in the players’ ability to turn things around.
- Leadership Style: Amorim is adamant about taking responsibility for the team’s results, which includes having the final say on transfers.
Only time will tell if Amorim’s approach will bring success to Old Trafford, but one thing is certain: he’s not afraid to take charge and make his voice heard. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Manchester United to see if this new era can deliver the results fans have been craving.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
