Ruben Amorim identifies three areas he's improved Man Utd since replacing Erik ten Hag
Ruben Amorim arrived at Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon looking to overhaul the squad and their playing style to give the team an identity, but has endured a mixed start to his reign with four wins, three defeats and one draw.
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorManchester United boss Ruben Amorim has outlined three areas where the team have improved since his arrival - fast pressing, physicality and understanding of the game.
Amorim joined in November after United made their worst ever start to a Premier League season under Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman sacked following just over two years in the job.
The Portuguese coach arrived from Sporting Lisbon looking to overhaul the squad and their playing style to give the team an identity. While there has been some positive signs, Amorim has endured a mixed start to his reign with four wins, three defeats and one draw.
His side's sketchy form continued on Thursday night as they were beaten 4-3 by Tottenham in their Carabao Cup quarter-final but Amorim stressed the performance showed they were improving in the final third. He also claimed he could see signs of better physical strength and tactical awareness.
"I think we are improving near the opponent box," he said ahead of their home clash against Bournemouth on Sunday. "We have some games that we are near the box but without real threat. You could see different things (against Tottenham).
"You could see we can shoot, we are near the goal and you feel it, you really feel it. I think it is a good thing in our team.
"I feel that our team is faster at pressing more, the physically is improving and the understanding of the game. You can see it by the controlling of the game and you see it more especially in this game, but also the last game that we understand more the position and the movement we should do.
"There is a lot of things, but it is hard to think of the good things because we are out and let’s focus on the next competition."
United will have a chance to bounce back against the Cherries at Old Trafford following their impressive 2-1 win at Manchester City last week.
The Red Devils will be eager to turn Old Trafford into a fortress again after losing 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest at the start of the month and Amorim is keen to bring more happiness to the home faithful.
"Yeah, it was really hard the Nottingham game, to lose that game in the way we lost," the 39-year-old said. "I am always looking forward to hear that song and to play with our fans and to try to put some happiness in their lives because (Thursday) was really tough for sure for them."
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