Say it in hushed tones but it could all be coming together for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United at the perfect time after their win vs Athletic.
Man Utd’s 4-1 win vs Athletic was important in more ways than one. Progressing to the Europa League final keeps the season alive but it meant so much more.
Mason Mount got his mojo back at the right time, Rasmus Hojlund got back on the scoresheet and Amad looks like he hasn’t lost a step since returning from injury.
All those player boosts are invaluable but in the process, Ruben Amorim finally has what he always wanted at Man Utd but rarely had.
It will make all the difference at the perfect time.
Ruben Amorim’s biggest wish fulfilled at Man Utd
Amorim walked into pretty much a thankless situation at Old Trafford, taking over a team that was bruised under Erik ten Hag but loved Ruud van Nistelrooy’s mini-honeymoon ending the new manager bounce.
From then on, player indiscretions, numerous injuries, and a new system being implemented made it a weekly slog for the Man Utd manager.
Against Athletic, however, it was clear that he finally had what he wanted all this time and the effect of it was visible in the final scoreline.
Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad were three of the players who came off the bench and transformed the game to varying degrees.
Options off the bench is what United have struggled with all along and Amorim cut a relieved figure after the game that he finally has it.
He said: “It’s different. When we have a full squad you can think about the game. Sometimes we had some games where we were surviving, trying to push one or another player, changing position.
“But with more options, you can change the game, push forward, push back and these kinds of things help us to win games.”
Man Utd’s transfer priority clear after this season
Amorim’s comments and United’s performance from the players off the bench make it clear that the focus next season has to be as much about squad depth as it is about the first XI.
Buying players who push the current squad out of the starting XI and into squad roles would be a good start and foster a competitive spirit for places in the team.
The holes in the squad need to be filled first, but having the luxury of bringing players like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, or Harry Amass off the bench will be a welcome one next year.
It no longer needs to be “one in, one out” especially in attacking areas where United are starved of options, leading to someone like Garnacho being overworked.
If United can manage to make four or five of their current starters squad players next season, they will be ready to compete on multiple fronts.
The Athletic game was a glimpse of what a full squad can do. That’s not a luxury Amorim had thus far.
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