Amorim Provides Update on Sesko’s Injury
Ruben Amorim has given an update regarding the injury status of striker Benjamin Sesko. The Manchester United manager, who took charge last season, has faced the challenge of integrating his strategies with a squad that had previously operated under a different system.
Amorim arrived at Manchester United during a chilly November international break, a time when most of his players were away on duty with their national teams. Despite the limited number of players present, Amorim and his coaching staff efficiently utilized the time to instill the new tactical framework he envisioned.
“From day one, he was very explicit about his style of play and the system he wanted to implement,” noted Jonny Evans. “He made sure to communicate these ideas to both the players who were there and those who returned from international duty.”
As of Monday, it will mark one year since Amorim’s initial match in charge, which resulted in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. This game not only highlighted Amorim’s strategies but also unveiled some underlying issues within the team.
Reflecting on his first impressions, Amorim remarked, “Everything moved very quickly. The atmosphere was markedly different in the Premier League, and I was invigorated by that. I recognized immediately that we would face challenges.”
Prior to engaging with the squad, Amorim had extensively reviewed footage of the team under Erik ten Hag and identified crucial areas needing improvement, including the team’s tendency to lose possession and their overall fitness to reclaim the ball effectively. The early performance at Portman Road showcased snippets of the players’ individual talents and underscored the need for systemic improvement.
Although initially hesitant to begin his role in the middle of the season, Amorim now views the timing as beneficial. This has allowed for a fresh start, especially highlighted during the preseason tour across the United States.
The tour included not only rigorous tactical training but also initiatives aimed at enhancing team cohesion. One significant change was altering the dining arrangement from circular to elongated tables, thus encouraging players to interact and bond rather than form cliques.
Amorim has adopted an approach that minimizes one-on-one discussions with players, preferring to address the team collectively. His post-match strategies reflect this philosophy—there was no immediate debrief following the game against Ipswich, and a similar approach is anticipated for the upcoming match against Everton. Amorim aims to allow players to process the game’s emotions before holding discussions, though he has not hesitated to express dissatisfaction during difficult patches.
The atmosphere around the team has evolved positively since last year. Heading into the fixture against Everton, Amorim’s squad boasts a five-match unbeaten streak, asserting that the growing pains of the previous season were necessary for progress at Old Trafford.
“I believe we are demonstrating improvements, but we must remain aware of our origins,” Amorim stated. “It’s essential to treat every match with utmost seriousness, as if it’s our last. I anticipate that we will show more control and competitiveness against Everton.”
As Amorim reflects on the anniversary of his managerial debut, he hopes that Manchester United is poised to take significant strides towards reestablishing themselves among the elite in football.
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