Both Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ruben Amorim’s current managerial tenures have come to an end on a fateful Sunday of October 10, 2024.
Amorim’s future is clear, as he begins his job as Man Utd manager with immediate effect while there is uncertainty over what holds in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future.
The interim manager won his last game in charge, a 3-0 victory over Leicester to strengthen his credentials.
Ruben Amorim went one better, invoking the Sir Alex Ferguson DNA to engineer a remarkable victory over former club Braga.
It maintains Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season but after the game, he had one eye on his new adventure and he provided some crucial updates.
Ruben Amorim gives Van Nistelrooy update, tactical plan
Right off the bat, Ruben Amorim had two big questions in front of him and he was faced with both in his post-match press conference after the victory.
He was asked first if he intends to keep up the three-at-the-back formation at Old Trafford immediately or if will there be any initial adjustment.
Amorim said: “I know how I am going to play in the beginning, I have a plan. Then you have to adapt to player qualities and injuries. Of course, with the international break, we don’t have much time to do everything with the players, so I will do what I know best. Take from that what you will.”
From his response, Amorim clearly hints that he will take his current system to United because that’s what he knows best.
It will always be easier for the players to get themselves into a new system and learn on the training pitch instead of the manager abandoning what has made him successful his whole career.
Secondly, he was asked about his plans for Ruud Van Nistelrooy who made another plea to stay at United after the win vs Leicester City.
Amorim remained tight-lipped but insisted his decision had already been made.
He said: “He is a legend of the club. He did a great job. I’ll talk with him tomorrow. I’m very clear about what I want. Maybe we’re not going to talk tomorrow, but you will for sure know in the coming weeks.”
Again, he doesn’t give away the whole picture but from his comments, it is easier to assume that he will part ways with him respectfully rather than keep him on.
Amorim is not afraid of taking big calls
If Amorim sticks to his tactical system and makes the call to let Van Nistelrooy go, that immediately installs his position as a manager not afraid of taking the big calls.
Van Nistelrooy’s spectre would have loomed large over Amorim if he stayed and regardless of how well he has done, a clean break is probably the best for both parties.
It will allow Amorim to be his own man, instead of the camera cutting to Van Nistelrooy at every negative result, missed chance, or player discontent.
As for his tactical plan, having a clear identity and a way of playing is what United have lacked for a long time so if he is insistent on installing one, that should be welcomed with both arms.
The Amorim era is yet to begin but the early signs have been good.
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