Ruben Amorim might have managed just a game or two at Manchester United but he’s been at the club for nearly 20 days now.
In that time, he has had to navigate an international break, some injury worries, and implement a new system and idea all the while handling the scrutiny that comes with being Man Utd manager.
Probably no other manager before him has even had his training sessions analysed with this much detail as Ruben Amorim has had.
There is a real appetite among Man Utd fans to know what’s actually happening at Carrington as the charisma Amorim exudes has made him an unmissable figure.
Bruno Fernandes on Ruben Amorim’s start at Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes has always been a standard bearer of professionalism at Old Trafford even as his teammates have been accused of throwing the managers under the bus.
Therefore, his analysis of the new man should hold some weight, especially because of his captaincy credentials.
Furthermore, he’s rarely one to mince his words or be diplomatic, as seen in Fernandes’ frank comments on Erik ten Hag’s sacking at the club.
Fernandes returned early from the international break so he has had more time to work under Amorim than many of his teammates, which makes him well-placed to judge the initial impact.
Speaking to TNT Sports in the lead-up to the game against Bodo, Fernandes lifted the lid on how the first few weeks have been at the club for everyone under Amorim.
He said: “It’s a change and whenever there’s a change, you always feel that it’s a new opportunity for everyone. Everyone in the team feels they have a chance of showing themselves and trying to impress the manager to get the opportunities to be on the pitch.
“I think he’s a manager that’s really intense, in a good way. He wants things done at the max level. When he thinks we have to slow it down and train a little bit less to get the best physical output in the game, he does it. He’s managing that really well with his staff.
“He’s a good character around the training ground and the staff, he’s been really helpful with everyone.”
Ruben Amorim’s new manager bounce
The suggestions of the team flying out of the blocks to win the new manager’s first game in charge were put to rest when United put out an unconvincing display vs Ipswich.
However, in many ways, that’s ideal because the phrase “new manager bounce” itself signifies that it will all level out at some point.
That’s not what the new manager wants at United. Amorim has admitted the team will suffer but he won’t move away from his system and identity which will put the club in a better shape going forward.
That line of thinking is much better for the club in the long term than winning five or six games on the bounce on the basis of a “refreshed atmosphere” before going back to square one.
Therefore, while the wins are still important to keep the club in a healthy shape, Fernandes’ “intense” comments should be music to the fans’ ears because this Man Utd squad has needed a direction for a long time.
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