Ruben Amorim Acknowledges Pressure at Manchester United with Team Struggling in the Bottom Half of the Premier League

Ruben Amorim has found himself in the hot seat at Manchester United, and it’s safe to say it hasn’t been easy.

Just 48 days into what many consider the hardest job in English football, the 39-year-old manager is grappling with a string of disappointing results, with five defeats in six matches leaving the team in the bottom half of the league.

Reflecting on the challenges, Amorim acknowledged the toll the job is taking on him, noting the visible difference between the confident manager who arrived and the one facing mounting pressure now.

“I’m sure you can see it in my face — compare the way I arrived and how I look now,” Amorim said, acknowledging the stress that has begun to show.

While he joked about prematurely aging under the pressure, the gravity of the situation is clear, especially with United set to face league leaders Liverpool on Sunday, a match that many fans fear could end in disaster.

The Importance of Family for Amorim’s Wellbeing

While Pep Guardiola, who is 14 years older than Amorim, often faces difficult times on his own, the United manager finds solace in having his family by his side.

Amorim’s wife and children joined him in England on December 27, providing much-needed support during this challenging time.

“My family came on the 27th.

It was a good day,” he shared, offering a sense of relief in his voice.

Amorim sees the presence of his loved ones as a stabilizing factor in the chaos surrounding the club’s current struggles.

Unlike his idol, José Mourinho, who stayed alone at the Lowry Hotel for nearly three years, Amorim feels that family offers him perspective and the ability to stay calm during the weekly battles that come with managing a team under pressure.

Amorim’s Unique Approach to Managing Pressure

Despite United’s struggles, Amorim’s approach to managing the team during difficult times differs from the more solitary methods of other managers.

After a heavy defeat to Newcastle, rather than resorting to stress-inducing tactics, he chose to embrace a more relaxed approach.

Amorim invited the wives, girlfriends, and children of players to spend the day with the team, creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere.

The players had breakfast with their families, watched training, and even played with their children, which sources say helped lift the spirits of the squad.

The following day was a scheduled day off, allowing the team to reset mentally.

Sources close to the club have suggested that these moments of calm are critical for the players to regain their focus and motivation, even as the club’s league position remains a concern.

The Pressure of Expectations and Amorim’s Resolve

The optimism that surrounded Amorim’s arrival has been replaced with a sense of urgency.

United is currently languishing in 14th place, a position far below the club’s expectations.

Sponsorship deals and supporter demands for European football add weight to the pressure.

Prominent figures like Martin Keown have suggested that Amorim may need to adjust his tactics, particularly the 3-4-2-1 formation, to keep the season on track.

Despite these external pressures, Amorim remains steadfast in his philosophy.

On Thursday, he oversaw an extended training session to focus on areas like set pieces, positioning, and fitness—issues that have been a persistent concern under his tenure.

For Amorim, this week without a match to prepare for was an invaluable opportunity to drill his players and refine their performance.

“There’s no panic from the boss,” a source close to the team explained, showing that despite the growing tension, Amorim maintains his composure.

Tough Decisions and Amorim’s No-Nonsense Approach

Amorim’s management style is already making waves, with his no-nonsense approach to dealing with underperforming players.

Marcus Rashford, who earns £325,000 a week, has been sidelined due to illness and is unlikely to feature against Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho has learned the hard way that Amorim isn’t afraid to make tough decisions.

The young forward was dropped for the Manchester derby after showing dissent during a Champions League match, and despite being the team’s top scorer, his performances have not aligned with the manager’s expectations.

For some of the younger players like Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro, the path to regular first-team appearances has been equally tough.

Yoro has made just three starts under Amorim, while Mainoo has started in four of eight matches.

Amorim acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying, “It is really hard. It is supposed to be hard.”

As the team prepares for challenging matches against Liverpool and Arsenal, Amorim knows the stakes are high.

However, he is resolute in his belief that now is not the time to crack under pressure.

For him, it’s about staying focused and continuing to push forward, no matter how tough the road ahead may be.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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