Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a frank assessment of his side, admitting that while the club is “massive,” it is far from being a “massive team” at the moment.
The Portuguese boss, who took charge of the Red Devils recently, pointed to a lack of consistent effort off the ball as a key area needing improvement if the team is to regain its place among the Premier League’s elite.
Amorim’s reign began with two victories in his opening three matches – a 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt and a 2-1 triumph against Everton.
However, the honeymoon period was quickly interrupted by a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in midweek.
Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba sealed the win for Mikel Arteta’s side, leaving United in the bottom half of the Premier League table as they prepare for Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest.
Speaking ahead of the game, Amorim emphasized the need for more hard work from his players. “Impossible to win the Premier League without a team that doesn’t run,” Amorim declared.
“You can put out a starting XI with the best players on the planet, but if they don’t run, they won’t win. We have to run like mad dogs, or we won’t win.”
The manager’s blunt words reflect his belief that work ethic is just as crucial as individual talent. “The problem is, can they cope with that?” he asked. “If they are used to it in training, they will do it in games. They can improve. You cannot be faster, but you can run more in training. They are professional athletes. Every coach has a different method of pressing.”
Amorim also acknowledged that United’s current struggles reflect the gap between their current form and their storied past.
While the club’s historical success remains undeniable, Amorim was clear that the present squad must adapt to the reality of their position.
“We are not the best team in the league, but our past is the best one in the league,” he said. “Our players have to understand that it is a difficult position. We have a problem, but we have to focus on the little details.”
With the team languishing in mid-table and fans growing increasingly restless, Amorim’s call for patience may be a tough pill to swallow.
Yet, he remains resolute in his vision for the future. “We have a problem, but we are working to fix it,” he added. “It’s about focusing on the details, on building a team that can compete at the highest level again.”