Tensions are rising between Ruben Amorim and those at Manchester United, including director of football Jason Wilcox.
While there is disagreement over January’s transfer window strategy, there is even wider disagreement over the team’s tactical approach going forward.
Amorim is bullish on moving away from his preferred 3-4-3 system this season, which is thought to be at the root of his souring relationship with his boss.
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Amorim reiterated after Manchester United’s 1-1 draw away at Leeds that he came to the club to be a manager, not a coach.
In terms of the transfer market, Amorim wants United to spend money to push their way into the Champions League, with the club currently continuing with long-term plans to develop the squad.
As Sky Sports News revealed last week, this includes prioritizing the signing of at least one, and possibly two, top central midfield players in the summer, as well as a further winger, striker and centre-back.
From United’s perspective, they are determined to avoid a return to short-term transfer spending and will stick to a long-term financial plan to strategically develop the squad in successive transfer windows.
Sky Sports News reports that United’s bosses are aware of how tight the squad is at the moment, but have a feeling that the situation could ease considerably once three key players – Brian Mbuemo, Amad Diallo and Nousair Mazraoui – return from the African Cup of Nations over the next two weeks.
Clearly, Amorim is not happy with the amount of work currently being done behind the scenes to bring in new players faster.
A common theme at football clubs, especially in January, is that tensions arise as managers and head coaches want to bring in reinforcements to achieve their objectives, while club leaders tend to show restraint. However, Amorim feels a little different.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Leeds and Manchester United
His latest rant, in which he said after the draw with Leeds that he joined United as manager rather than head coach, comes after two weeks of subtle comments targeting the hierarchy at the club in the media.
“We need to spend a lot of money to play the perfect 3-4-3 and we’re starting to understand that it’s not going to happen,” he said on Christmas Eve, before speaking a few days later about the importance of finding a “middle ground” between himself and Wilcox.
His demeanor, particularly in the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Leeds, was markedly different and colder than what the Weekly reporters were used to, right up to his explosive comments after the 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Amorim has previously made explosive statements that confused his situation at the club, followed quickly by some sort of explanation, and then blown away in a week, especially if the next result was positive.
Carragher: ‘Amorim is not good enough to be Manchester United manager’
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Jamie Carragher slams Ruben Amorim after game against Leeds, saying he’s not good enough as Man United manager
Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports:
“I don’t think he’s in any position to question the people who appointed him, because he’s not good enough. He’s not good enough to be a Manchester United manager. He’s hardly good enough to be a Premier League manager at the moment.”
On why Amorim is speaking out:
“I can only think of two things: it’s either about the January transfer window, he’s out of favor, or people above him have doubts about him moving up and down the system.
“He started to look like he was getting by with a back four, but against Wolves he went back to a back five and that was probably the worst performance we’ve seen from the team against Wolves this season.”
Timeline: Amorim’s Destructive Quotes
December 24: Amorim admits he may not have the funding needed to perfect his 3-4-3 system.
Speaking at a pre-Newcastle press conference, Amorim said: “We feel that if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3 it will cost a lot of money and time, but we are starting to understand that that is not going to happen and we may have to adapt.”
Dan Kahn analyzes this as follows: “This was the first indication that Mr. Amorim acknowledged that there had been some behind-the-scenes conversations regarding his system and that he may need to reconsider spending in January.
“It was also the first time that the United manager has admitted that these factors may force him to adapt the system. Amorim has previously said he will evolve the system when he feels the time is right, but that choice may be made in his own hands.”
Dec. 26: Amorim says he needs to find common ground with the board and director of football Jason Wilcox.
Speaking after the Newcastle game, Amorim said: “We do it from time to time, but I have one idea and Jason and the board have another. In every decision we make, we need to reach common ground.”
“This is really important because you don’t have to make everything for the manager, because the manager can change and everything has to change, but you always have to understand that the manager understands how to play.
“We try every player that comes here. If we don’t reach common ground, that player won’t come.”
January 2: Amorim gave an uneasy press conference with an apparent change in mood.
You recently said that playing 3-4-3 requires a lot of top players and you’re starting to understand that it’s not possible, why didn’t you realize that when you first joined the club, or can you explain what you mean exactly?
“I don’t want to talk about it. I’m just focused on the Leeds game.”
Isn’t it like you not to want to talk about it? Do you regret it?
“No, no, but I don’t want to talk about it.”
Has anything changed in terms of the budget, anything that you’ve been told, has Jason Wilcox spoken to you about it?
“I don’t want to talk about it, but you’re very smart.”
Director Dan Carn analyzed it as follows. “It was more about what Amorim didn’t say than what he did. As soon as the United manager walked into the room, you could feel the energy was different.
“Even after the difficult results this season against Grimsby and Brentford, Amorim always went into his next press conference with a smile on his face, and perhaps a joke. He calmed the atmosphere before difficult questions. There was a coldness to his answers, no sparkle in his eyes.”
January 4: Amorim sensationally claims he has joined Manchester United as manager rather than head coach.
Dan Kahn analyzes this as follows: “Despite being appointed as United’s head coach over 12 months ago, his repeated insistence that he is the club’s ‘manager’ and will only be a ‘coach’ was a clear indication of his feelings.
“Calling Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho by name, almost mocking himself, while at the same time demanding the same respect, was an interesting way of making his point.”
Manchester United’s next 5 games
January 7: Burnley (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8.15pm, live on Sky Sports January 11: Brighton (H) – FA Cup third round, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports January 17: Man City (H) – Premier League, kick-off 12:30pm, live on Sky Sports January 25: Arsenal (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports February 1: Fulham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports
