Ruben Amorim has quickly taken charge since becoming Manchester United’s new head coach, implementing several strict rules. The Portuguese manager, who has been at Old Trafford for about a month, has seen mixed results so far, with three wins, two losses, and one draw across league and European fixtures. Amorim is keen on bringing change to the team, introducing what he calls ‘non-negotiables’ ahead of a busy winter schedule.
One of his first rules was to prevent coaches from giving overly complex instructions. Amorim believes that if he can’t explain a tactic in a single sentence, it shouldn’t be communicated until it’s simplified. This is particularly important as he has shifted the team’s formation to a 3-4-3, a setup many players haven’t experienced before. The new approach has been well-received by the players, who appreciate Amorim’s clear communication and dedication to ensuring they fully understand his instructions.
Another change involves handling a longstanding issue. There was some controversy during November’s international break when Marcus Rashford and Casemiro took trips to the United States with only a few days of rest. Rashford attended an NBA game in Madison Square Garden, while Casemiro enjoyed a family holiday at Disney World in Florida. Amorim and his staff have decided not to allow such breaks in the future, emphasizing that standards must be set at the club level. Amorim mentioned, “We have to decide as a club if they can have five days off or only three, and whether they can travel.”
Additionally, Amorim has introduced a third non-negotiable rule: no food in the dressing room on matchdays. This decision comes as part of his broader strategy to improve the team’s physical fitness, as he believes that a team that doesn’t run won’t be successful in the Premier League. Ahead of the Manchester Derby against City, Amorim stressed the importance of running hard, stating, “Without effort and running like mad dogs, we won’t win.”
Despite recent setbacks, Amorim’s men head into the derby with some confidence after coming from behind to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1, courtesy of two Rasmus Hojlund goals.