Manager Amorim on Manchester United: 'We will suffer for a long time'

Seconds later, Ruben Amorim's debut gave United the lead. However, the next game was disappointing, as the team drew 1-1 with newly promoted Ipswich Town. The new coach has warned fans – and they remain confident.

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This is a perfect start. After 80 seconds of the first game, with head coach Ruben Amorim on the sidelines, United had taken the lead. The new system of three-man chains, also designed for counterattacks, paid off immediately. Winger Amad Diallo crossed from the wing to score, and Marcus Rashford, who played as an attacking center for the first time this season, immediately thanked the trust with a goal.

However, the model's counterattack was followed by disillusionment. Because instead of building on their opening goal, newly promoted Ipswich suddenly became the better team with more dangerous chances. The United goalkeeper was beaten by Omari Hutchinson before the break after Andre Onana produced another fantastic save. The Red Devils clearly had more possession in the second half but were unable to convert it into another goal. Sporting CP, led by coach Amorim, is very dangerous against strong teams.

In his first game in the Premier League, this did not have the desired effect. In fact, in the 1-1 draw, Ipswich were the team with the higher expected goals (1.59 to 0.8, according to Opta). However, Amorim was unlikely to finish 13th in the standings. The Premier League is set to change overnight. He had just two days of real training between the international break and his debut at Ipswich.

Still, the first signs of Amorim football were showing: United had more possession than they had in the league this season, and they were moving forward as quickly as before the 1-0 win. It may still be some time before the 39-year-old Portuguese can adjust the squad to his liking. Amorim also knows this, saying: “I know it's frustrating for the fans, but we've made a big change at a stage with a lot of games. We're going to suffer for a long time.”

The provider celebrated with goal scorer Marcus Rashford – Amad Diallo (right) received special praise from coach Amorim.Image: trapezoid

Making these big changes mid-season is risky, but it's worth it. “That's the only way we can get better next year. Otherwise we're going to have the same problems next year as we have now,” Amorim explained. Giving winger Amad Diallo a more defensive role alongside the back three is also a risk. Amorim immediately praised the 22-year-old Ivorian for setting up the 1-0 goal: “His defense has improved a lot these days.”

In his comments, Amorim also asked for time and explained, taking some of the pressure off the players: “You can see that they still think too much during the game. We have to implement new game concepts and become Better.” Basically, he is satisfied with his protégé. “They really tried and they wanted to do it.”

The new coach is a beacon of hope: “Good luck, Ruben Amorim! Make our team great again!”Picture: www.imago-images.de

After just a few days at Amorim, the mood within the team seems to be significantly better than during the Erik ten Hag days. Despite the disappointing result, fans remain confident. After the game, they chanted the new coach's slogan.