The most pivotal week in Ruben Amorim’s tenure thus far is significant in more ways than the obvious, and whilst being only the second manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win in his first Manchester derby should not be dismissed, the conclusion to an ultimately hectic week has been revealing.
Following an important 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen last Thursday that was followed by the dramatic turn of events at the Etihad Stadium three days later has seen the signs of a desperately needed culture shift on the red side of Manchester.
Coming from behind both times – a frankly unheard-of feat in the past ten seasons – was not the only signal. Amorim’s ruthless decision to drop both Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford was another, his clarity on the matter compounded the fact.
This by no means signifies a return to the top for Manchester United, that’s a distance away, though a positive step, certainly.
It has been far too long that a club, built on and established on the highest of standards, work ethic, a grounded nature and a never-say-die attitude has withered, and witnessed a drop in expectations that could never have been foreseen.
An intriguing first five weeks in the job has now seen the most significant period, where Amorim is quietly, but quickly learning the task at hand.
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Culture shock to the system
The fact is the win at neighbours Manchester City was the highlight of a striking start to Amorim’s tenure. Brutal honesty, transparency and a clean slate were the key takeaways from his first month, though the past seven days have uncovered a ruthless edge to his personality.
Let’s first talk about the obvious – the shock omission of Rashford and Garnacho at the weekend.
Nobody saw it coming, only Amorim perhaps, and that is the way he wants it. Power is a controversial topic nowadays in football, but the man in the hot seat requires that authority.
As described, ‘engagement with teammates’ was a key phrase used both before and after the game, which brought on the need for clarification and further questions, though it begs another, has this been a recurring theme under other regimes?
Confirmations as such from former players, namely Nemanja Matic, who previously noted lateness was an issue, whilst former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remarkably revealed last year that some players refused to take on the captaincy when he was in charge.
Now every new manager that comes in must lay down a marker. A statement of intent. A message to the rest of the squad. Amorim’s is simple – meet my standards or you’re out.
The Portuguese has since confirmed Garnacho’s discontent not as a problem, but as something that pleases him. It is expected that Rashford is who has caused more of a fuss, with the English forward claiming he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ in a recent interview.
Amorim may not have taken particularly kindly to the fact, noting he would have spoken with the manager first, though his absence from the squad to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup is down to illness, and not related.
This all may come to the fore in coming weeks, with the winter window providing a potential opening, though Amorim remains keen to keep Rashford, but for how long can this continue?
Now it’s likely these words are to keep any mumblings under wraps and perhaps don’t paint the absolute truth, though Amorim has consistently remained strikingly transparent, likely in a bid to spark a culture shift at the club.
His arrival has no doubt brought a shock to the system for these players. No longer can they coast or pick and choose when they want to perform. Each and every member of that squad must give 110% each week, though let’s not get it twisted, the bad apples in the group are beginning to fall.
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A drunken enthusiasm has become a sobering reality
When Amorim stepped through the doors at Carrington five weeks ago, his contagious enthusiasm and personality was felt in each initial interview, though in something that began with excitement, the new boss has rapidly got to know the mammoth job he has on his hands.
Moving past the culture issues that remain at the club, the energy and zeal that were immediately apparent to work with this group of players has somewhat diminished slowly, with reality setting in.
It is becoming progressively more obvious who will survive under this manager, and who will struggle. First things first, forget about quality, which individuals are willing to scrap, fight, and battle for the weight of that shirt.
So many have withered, and treat the opportunity like a burden, rather than a privilege. Amorim is quickly realising.
Dropping Rashford and Garnacho has been the most public story of his reign, but assuredly not the only problem he has encountered. The failures of the past decade make sure of that, though Amorim’s focus makes him the ideal candidate to turn this on its head.
He is mightily aware not only of the technical and physical issues in the squad, but those mental intangibles that are thoroughly lacking. Desire, consistency, leadership. Amorim will struggle to count on both hands who meet even one of those.
The fact a 22-year-old Ivorian, who was neglected to the bench by Erik ten Hag, has led from the front away, in a Manchester derby and excelled in all facets of the game speaks volumes.
This proves as an irrefutable reminder that huge changes are inevitable and incoming. Amorim may want the remainder of the campaign to suss out this squad, though it is becoming prominently obvious what needs to be done, and where.
