Ruben Amorim’s time at Manchester United has been marked by both promise and frustration.
Since taking over from Erik ten Hag, the 39-year-old manager has faced mixed results, including a draw at Ipswich and victories over Bodo/Glimt and Everton.
However, back-to-back losses to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have shown that the road ahead might be tougher than expected.
One of the major points of contention during his early tenure has been his approach to squad rotation.
Despite sticking with his preferred 3-4-3 formation, Amorim has made frequent changes to his starting XI, which has raised eyebrows among some players.
One Manchester United star, according to reports from MEN, has privately expressed dissatisfaction with the constant tinkering.
Yet, most of the squad appear to understand and support the manager’s decisions. Amorim has justified his approach by pointing to injury concerns and his need to assess players in competitive situations before making final judgments.
Over the last four matches, he’s made 23 changes to his lineups, which some view as necessary for managing fitness levels and adapting to various match conditions.
Amorim himself clarified his rotation strategy, stating that it’s not about constant change for its own sake but rather about keeping the squad fit and ready for the season’s challenges.
“We have to have everyone working and improving,” he said, acknowledging the importance of managing players’ fitness levels.
He also mentioned that certain players, like Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia, have specific time limits to ensure they aren’t overworked and at risk of injury.
Meanwhile, Amorim addressed another unexpected issue: the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth. The shock announcement of Ashworth’s exit, after only 159 days at the club, has added another layer of uncertainty.
Despite this, Amorim remains confident that the club’s vision and his own managerial plans are unaffected.
As United prepares for their Europa League clash with Viktoria Plzen, all eyes will be on Amorim’s ability to balance his rotation tactics while keeping the squad united and focused on the bigger picture.