Manchester United Returns Home with Feet on the Ground After US Tour
The recent summer tour of Manchester United through the United States, although generally viewed with optimism, has served as a reminder of the challenges facing the team. Upon returning to Manchester from Atlanta, coach Rúben Amorim and the entire team, including players, staff, and fans, face the reality of what it takes to improve.
After comfortable victories against West Ham and Bournemouth, the 2-2 draw against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium exposed familiar problems. Bruno Fernandes, the team captain, described parts of the performance as “lazy”, a sentiment that Amorim did not directly contradict. “I think we struggled a bit today,” admitted Amorim. “We have the feeling that we are not performing as we should, but it was good. I think it’s the perfect feeling to return to Carrington. We return with the feeling that we need to improve a lot.”
Amorim, known for his optimism, understands the magnitude of the challenge of leading United to a successful season after one of the worst in over 50 years. The team’s main goal is to qualify for Europe, which would require closing a gap of more than 20 points.
Interview with Amorim: The Manchester United coach talks about the new season.
Garnacho’s future: What awaits the talented Garnacho after being sidelined by Amorim?
The best football teams: Ranking of the 25 best football teams of the last 25 years.
Amorim, after his appointment as Erik ten Hag’s successor, has tried to establish a new beginning. He made important decisions, such as leaving Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia out of the tour, demonstrating that only committed players would be welcome in the team. The focus in the United States has been to prioritize the team, implementing new rules to foster unity among the players.
The goal of Amorim is to strengthen the bonds within the team, believing that better relationships off the field translate into better connections in the game. In Chicago, the players had free time to explore the city, and joint activities were encouraged. Discipline is important for Amorim, but he avoids treating the players like children, based on his experiences as a player.The Manchester United summer tour has been positive, with a Summer Series trophy and team-building exercises under Amorim’s direction. However, the real campaign will be much more difficult.
Amorim and his technical team urged the players to return in better shape, providing personalized programs during the holidays. GPS trackers were used during training in the United States to monitor intensity, and any player who did not meet the standards was called to the attention of the group. “If you don’t train the right way, I have images to show you,” Amorim said in an interview. “And I show them to you in front of everyone.”
Amorim expects the dressing room, with the help of a new six-member leadership team, to begin self-regulating. Bruno Fernandes is expected to have the support of Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui and Tom Heaton. Minor issues will be managed by the group, while major issues will go to Amorim.
Despite delegating responsibilities, Amorim maintains control of the training. He focuses on gym work and tactical exercises, with the aim of having the players play fluently. “I think we will reach a point, hopefully, where we can play almost with our eyes closed,” said Dalot. “We know where each one will be on the field.”
After player criticism of the 2023 tour organization, changes have been made. Commercial work has been reduced and attempts have been made to minimize travel to keep the team in one place as long as possible. “Everything has been first class,” said Luke Shaw about United’s base in Chicago.Amorim is aware that optimism could disappear if the first five Premier League matches, including clashes against Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, do not go well. The team’s focus is a reset, a new beginning. Joshua Zirkzee summarized the United situation: “They would prefer to see action on the field.” The success of this season will be evaluated when Arsenal visits Old Trafford on August 17.
