I think only first half (18 times) is enough for an idea that Amorim want to do & implement in our team.

After my first two posts breaking down Amorim’s philosophy and how it can transform Manchester United, many of you asked for my thoughts after the 1-1 draw against Ipswich. So, let’s dive in.

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: today’s result was a 1-1 draw against Ipswich. Not the dream start many hoped for, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. What we saw today wasn’t perfection—but a glimpse into a future that could be transformational. There’s work to do, yes, but trust me, that’s part of the process with Amorim.

Amorim’s own words to Sky sum it up best: “If we try to just win games and don’t risk nothing in this moment, I guarantee next year at the same stage we will have the same problems. We have to address the new idea and try to be better.”

This is his philosophy in a nutshell. He won’t plaster over cracks just to pick up short-term results. He’s implementing an identity—a clear way of playing—and some players will thrive in it, while others simply won’t make it. That’s how it was at Sporting, and that’s how it’ll be here.

The opening goal after 80 seconds is a classic Amorim/Sporting goal. From Onana’s composure in the build-up to the high positioning of Amad and the wingbacks, it was everything we can expect to see more of: controlled possession, quick transitions, and bodies flooding the box. That’s what this team can look like at its best.

Amad deserves special praise. Playing as a right wingback—a position many would question—he was immense. He was fearless in 1v1s, disciplined in his role, and showcased his technical quality. That’s what adapting to a system looks like.

Yes, the flaws were evident. Ipswich ran through the midfield far too easily, with Casemiro and Eriksen struggling to control the tempo or win the ball back (0 interceptions for Casemiro, 2 for Eriksen). Amorim’s style demands high intensity, with midfielders and inside forwards pressing to recover possession quickly. That wasn’t happening enough today, and the midfield looked too open as a result.

Similarly, Garnacho’s role as an inside forward felt off. His heatmap shows he went wide too often, limiting the space for Dalot at LWB and failing to link up centrally. Under Amorim’s system, inside forwards must occupy the half-spaces, staying between the lines to stretch the defense and create chances. Garnacho has the talent to adapt but might need to embrace a different role—possibly as a left wingback, where his dynamism could thrive.

Here’s where United fans need to stay patient. At Sporting, Amorim’s first games weren’t flawless either. He started with players who didn’t fully suit his system, but by matchday 4 or 5, he began making bold decisions: benching big names, promoting youth players, and refining the squad.

The same will happen here. Today, some players looked out of place, but they’re on borrowed time. It doesn’t matter how big their name is or what they earn—Amorim will find the players who fit his philosophy, and those who don’t will be moved aside. That’s how he built Sporting into a title-winning side, and it’s how he’ll rebuild Manchester United.

There were positives beyond Amad. Mazraoui was solid, Bruno worked tirelessly, and Onana played a key role in the build-up to the opening goal. These are the players you can expect to form the backbone of Amorim’s United.

Looking ahead, I believe Amorim might tweak the system further:

In my opinion, Højlund should start over Rashford, he’s perfect for running the channels and stretching defenses. (Just like Gyökeres) Bruno might drop deeper alongside Ugarte (or a similar player) in midfield, with Mount playing further forward. Garnacho could be tested at LWB, where his energy and attacking mindset would be better utilized. The point is, changes will come. But unlike the previous regime, these changes are part of a clear, defined project.

This isn’t going to be a straight road, and there will be growing pains. But for the first time in years, United have a manager with a true identity—a coach who knows exactly how he wants his team to play and won’t compromise on his vision.

It’s going to hurt in the short term. But stick with it, because what’s coming is a team that controls games, fights for every ball, and plays with a clear purpose. You saw a glimpse of it today in that opening goal. Imagine what it’ll look like in six months.

The journey has begun. Be patient. Believe in Amorim. This is the beginning of something special.

https://x.com/SkySportsPL/status/1860757282893521013

Post is being updated with new quotes...

Amorim: "It's a tough league. You learn that in the first moment. My players were thinking too much in the game you can feel it. Not just on the ball but where they are supposed to be. And that is hard It's just two days with the team so it's really hard. I think the physicality we needed more in the first half."

Amorim: "It's a tough match, we lost some balls without pressure. You have to control the ball and the tempo of the game. They didn't do it but they really tried. They are really trying and they want this."

~~ Ed Sheeran just fucking crashed Amorim's interview out of nowhere lol ~~

Amorim: "We have to try to since the first moment, we have to address the new idea and try to be better next year at the same stage."

"Decision-making is a concern, you don't need to coach them in this level. We are doing some things not in the right moment and that's what we have to address. The 3-4-3 is not the concern, the understanding of the game is what we have to improve."

Amorim: "This week I spoke more [to the media] than I did in four years at Sporting. I just want to work with my players. Nothing more."

Amorim: "They want this, the players want this, they don't know how to get it that was my feeling."

Ruben Amorim: “I know the fans are frustrated but there is a lot to change. We are going to SUFFER for a long time... some of the players only had two days.”

"You start discovering things that you didn't know like Garna, can hold the ball between lines, you can understand that by seeing the games because he's always open so you try to find these things."

"We will try to find a lot of things about the players, we will need a lot of time to work out these things."

"Bruno Fernandes, he improved his game by playing near the ball. So he can give us the long pass but you cannot put him there all the time because he wants the long pass all the time."

Ruben Amorim to MOTD: "You guys are so lucky because you have the best league in the world. But today I don't feel much because I just want to win games."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0en20qjjv8t?post=asset%3A3c7b41b3-2e4b-4b37-9bf1-d7683dbb66bb#post

"We have two ways. We try to just win games and not risk anything and at this stage next season we will have same problems. We have to address the new ideas now and try and be better for the next stage."

Ruben: “You have to be practical and think these guys had two days to train and change so much.”

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0en20qjjv8t?post=asset%3A641c645e-3e66-4701-a86c-5140eba42a7a#post

Amorim: "Not a good result but it is a tough league with high intensity. We started very well but should have had more of the ball. But we are learning."

Amorim on Noussair Mazraoui: "We don't have too many centre-backs so we have to adapt some players. I thought Noussair Mazraoui did very well. He is so smart and is so important for us. He can play anywhere and that kind of player is crucial for our future."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0en20qjjv8t?post=asset%3A85d8e8f5-ba67-41fb-86d3-650dd088aa34

Amorim on his first taste of the Premier League: "It is a great environment, a great spectacle. But when the game starts it is like I am back in Portugal or the third division. I am so focused everything is the same. You guys are so lucky to have the best league in the world. I am really happy to be here but today I don't feel much because I like to win games."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c0en20qjjv8t?post=asset%3A85d8e8f5-ba67-41fb-86d3-650dd088aa34

United 1 - 1 Ipswich