Current Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, knows that his team is falling well short of expectations.
Since taking over from interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, he’s compiled a ten-win, nine-loss, and five-draw record across all competitions. The lack of wins isn’t all that has some disgruntled.
Instead, it’s how the results have happened. Too often, the performances leave a lot to be desired. He knows that the current level of play is not anywhere near good enough to truly compete any time soon. This has consequently led fans to misinterpret the meaning and intention of the coaches’ words.
Strong desire to win
Since exiting the FA Cup, only Europa League remains for possible silverware. Many want the sole focused effort to be on winning this tournament. This initial thought is reasonable enough. Winning UEL would not only add a trophy, but is also the last remaining path to playing in Europe next season.
These reactions, however, are too shortsighted. Amorim clarified while speaking with Sky Sports:
We are trying to build here. That is going to be more important than winning a cup in this moment.
Everyone wants results. A lot of anger toward the club and justified frustration have mounted over the years at Man Utd. Amorim is far from the problem. To be clear, his choice was to enter during the year. This excludes him from sympathy. A certain acknowledgment still needs to balance this stance. He’s taken over a rotten situation.
The Portuguese manager knows what true success looks like and how to take a club down that path. For now, unfortunately for Man Utd fans, it will be a long, painful process to endure. Everything in Amorim’s power and control, though, is being done and approached as best as anyone could.
More importantly, he’s gearing the team toward sustainable victories. This approach is where his supposed controversial remarks stem from. He knows better than anyone that the win-loss columns aren’t acceptable. This team is fortunate to have someone in charge who recognizes that that is a result and not a goal.
Distinction needed at Man Utd
The difference is having a person who solves problems with short-term solutions. It could also come in the form of a manager avoiding the difficult decisions. Amorim instead is choosing to prioritize building the proper foundation. This will ensure continued years of playing in the Champions League and being annual Premier League challengers again.
Worrying about results on a game-to-game basis or which trophies the club is still viable for are valid concerns. These are not, however, Man Utd priorities. Amorim knows that if everything is a priority, then nothing is. Getting the current players to buy in and weeding out anyone who won’t is taking place before fans’ eyes first. Instilling his philosophy and system while fighting for each other is the next step in the current operation, both on the training grounds and within games.
