Matheus Cunha has shared insights on Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United, emphasizing the challenges faced by the coach. Amorim arrived at the club with a solid track record, employing a 3-4-2-1 formation that thrived in his previous roles. However, the same tactics did not yield results in the Premier League, leading to increased scrutiny and pressure.
Amorim’s Tactical Struggles at Manchester United
Cunha indicated that the intensity of the pressure surrounding Amorim’s tactics contributed to their failure. The focus on negative outcomes overshadowed the team’s broader context. “We forgot how simple the overall context was,” Cunha stated, highlighting how the weight of expectations hindered performance.
Persistence of the 3-4-2-1 Formation
Despite the challenges, Cunha noted that elements of the 3-4-2-1 formation remain in use by the team. He pointed out that while the media might overlook these aspects now, the team still functions effectively under variations of Amorim’s system. “The numerology of football is very misleading,” he persuasively added, suggesting that attacking methodologies vary despite perceptions.
Positive Developments Under Carrick
Currently, United is positioned fourth in the Premier League standings, boosted by interim manager Michael Carrick’s leadership. The team has secured four victories and a single draw in five matches, including key wins against Arsenal and Manchester City. Cunha is enjoying the atmosphere under Carrick but highlighted Amorim’s foundational role in revitalizing the squad.
Amorim’s Impact on Player Recruitment
Cunha credited Amorim for facilitating the signings that bolstered the team. Notable acquisitions during his tenure include:
- Matheus Cunha – £62.5 million
- Bryan Mbeumo – £71 million
- Benjamin Šeško – £73.7 million
- Patrick Dorgu – £29.4 million
- Diego Léon – £7 million
- Ayden Heaven – £1.5 million
- Senne Lammens – £18.2 million
Cunha expressed his gratitude for Amorim’s contributions, stating, “Many new players came because of him.” He emphasized that Amorim played a crucial role in the current success, challenging the notion of solely attributing problems to the previous management.
Building a Stronger Team Culture
Beyond tactical issues, Amorim was instrumental in improving the team culture at Old Trafford. Following a turbulent period under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the environment in the dressing room had been contentious. Cunha noted that Amorim’s leadership helped avoid the toxic atmosphere that plagued the club previously.
This summer, Amorim also made difficult decisions by offloading players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, choosing to cultivate a squad aligned with his vision. The strong bond he formed with the players continues to manifest, as they maintain their support for him despite the adversity faced during his management.
As Manchester United navigates current challenges, it is clear that Amorim’s influence may still resonate within the club, with many looking back at his contributions as vital to their ongoing resurgence.
