Ruben Amorim plans to speak with Ruud van Nistelrooy today as his overhaul at Manchester United gets underway.
Amorim starts work at Old Trafford after signing off from Sporting CP with a dramatic win at Braga last night, his side coming back from 2-0 down at half-time to win 4-2.
His first task will be to clarify the future of Van Nistelrooy, who has been in interim charge at Old Trafford for the past two weeks following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman has guided United to three wins and a draw in his four games in charge and was afforded a hero’s reception from the Stretford End after yesterday’s 3-0 win over Leicester City.
You’ve done us proud, Ruud. pic.twitter.com/B29GnNMAsm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 10, 2024
Asked about Van Nistelrooy’s role going forward, Amorim said: “About a legend of a club like Manchester, he did a great job.
“I have to talk with him tomorrow and then I will explain everything. I’m very clear and I will tell you like it is. So let’s wait until tomorrow. Maybe we are not going to talk. So let’s wait for the next few weeks.”
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Sticking to what he knows
Amorim has led Sporting to two Primeira Liga titles in four years in Lisbon, employing a 3-4-3 system to great effect.
Much has been said about how he could implement that formation at United given the players they have, but the 39-year-old hinted he would not be diverting from his preferred tactics.
He added: “I know how I am going to play in the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know and then you will adapt with the players that you have.
“Injuries or no injuries, what kind of players, the abilities to defend, to attack. I will discover that in the next few weeks.
“We don’t have a lot of time to train so I have to show something that I know very well. So you can take whatever you want from that question.”
Absent players
Due to the international break, Amorim will have to work with a shadow squad until his players arrive back shortly before his first game in charge, a trip to Ipswich Town on November 24.
“I feel ready for the new challenge. I’m not naive, I know that it’s going to be very different, very tough, but I feel that I am ready,” Amorim said.
“I’m at peace now. I can focus on my new job, and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.”
