CHICAGO – Rubén Amorim has arrived at Manchester United’s preseason in the United States with a renewed smile. After the defeat in the UEFA Europa League final on May 21, the Portuguese coach seemed a defeated man. However, the rest in Portugal with his family has allowed him a restart. Amorim looks relaxed and happy at the beginning of a crucial summer for the club. During training at Soldier Field for the Chicago Bears, Amorim showed his good humor, pointing and laughing with the physical trainer Charlie Owen.
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Although there was some frustration over the delay in Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival, now with the additions of Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, Amorim’s request to reinforce the attack has been fulfilled. United only scored 44 goals in the Premier League last season, while Cunha and Mbeumo scored 35 between them for Wolves and Brentford, respectively.
Amorim is also looking to improve other positions, mainly the center of the field and the center forward, but prefers to be cautious. At the club, it is considered important to avoid signing the wrong players. “At this moment, we must be very careful when signing a player,” Amorim stated in his first press conference of the summer. Amorim is aware that one of United’s biggest problems is the possible departure of Antony and Jadon Sancho, two players who cost £160 million in the last four years. Amorim has made it clear that Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia are not in his plans, and he already has the support of the board. The four players stayed at home. This decision reinforces the priority that Amorim and his team give to the club’s standards. When speaking with Cunha and Mbeumo, Amorim was interested in their motivations for joining United, being impressed by their having rejected Champions League clubs. He only wants committed players.
The victory over West Ham at the start of the preseason was a small triumph. De Ligt admitted that it was nice to experience that feeling of winning, even if it was in a friendly. Amorim will need greater successes to consolidate his project. Despite being positive, his record of seven wins in 27 Premier League matches will have to change. The home match against Arsenal will be an important challenge. With a rejuvenated Amorim, the smile has returned to his face. The key question is: How long will it last?We haven’t analyzed last season much. We focused on the areas for improvement. This is a new season. We are ready to start.
Mason Mount
