Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, has recently received a variety of advice regarding his team selections for the Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday.
At just 39 years old, Amorim has signed a contract with United that runs through June 2027, with an option for an additional year.
He is gearing up for his first match in charge, scheduled for Sunday, November 24, against Ipswich Town.
Amorim will officially begin his role with the team on Monday, November 11. This early start will allow him ample time to work at United’s Carrington training facility, where he will closely collaborate with the squad before leading them on a four-hour trip to Portman Road for his debut later in the month.
Given his background as a Portuguese manager, there are high expectations for Manuel Ugarte, one of his former players from Sporting Lisbon, to receive more playing time in United’s first team. Ugarte, a midfielder who developed into one of Europe’s top defensive midfielders under Amorim’s guidance, joined United in the summer. However, despite initial hopes, he has struggled to meet expectations since his arrival.
Familiar with Amorim’s preferred tactical setups, particularly the 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formations, Ugarte has often been featured in lineups that allow him to utilize his defensive skills.
However, fans have expressed concerns about his chemistry with United’s more experienced midfielder, Casemiro.
During the Chelsea match, supporters took to social media to highlight the evident issues in the partnership, particularly in their offensive collaboration.
Many noted that the two did not complement each other well on the field, especially during attacking transitions.
One fan voiced the frustration of many, stating, “A Ugarte-Casemiro double pivot might be one of the worst combinations possible.”
This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism among fans regarding whether the current pairing can withstand the demands of Premier League play.
Concerns mainly center around Ugarte’s apparent struggle to adapt to the league’s fast-paced nature, particularly given his inconsistent performances since transferring to United.
As Amorim begins to implement his philosophy at United, supporters hope he will address these issues, especially if the club continues to depend on the Ugarte-Casemiro partnership.
With the Premier League’s rigorous schedule ahead, Amorim’s ability to quickly assess and enhance on-field relationships will be crucial for keeping United competitive.
Both fans and analysts are closely watching to see if Amorim can effectively utilize his past experience with Ugarte and whether he will modify United’s tactics or formations to better align with the team’s strengths.
For now, anticipation is building as United prepares for an important period, with hopes that Amorim’s approach will lead to positive changes in the squad’s dynamics and overall performance.
