Ruben Amorim has swiftly initiated a sweeping disciplinary overhaul at Manchester United, aiming to instill a new era of professionalism and accountability within the squad. His arrival has marked a significant departure from previous regimes, with a clear mandate to tighten standards and foster a winning mentality following a challenging period for the club.
The Portuguese manager wasted no time in asserting his authority, reportedly identifying and removing players deemed to be ill-disciplined from the first-team squad. This decisive action underscored his commitment to eradicating any elements that could undermine team cohesion or commitment, setting an immediate precedent for the entire playing staff.
With the squad now meticulously refined and bolstered by strategic new acquisitions, Amorim is intensifying efforts in the realm of team discipline. A particular focus has been placed on training ground ethics, with the manager not shying away from directly addressing individuals whose efforts or attitudes fall short of his exacting standards during sessions.
Articulating his philosophy during a recent press conference, Amorim emphasized a pragmatic approach to player management. “We have rules, and the rules are not to treat the players as babies,” he stated, highlighting a belief in adult accountability rather than coddling, a stance that resonated with the club’s desire for greater maturity.
Crucially, Amorim has empowered a new leadership group, comprised of six influential players, to assist him in upholding these stringent standards. This collective, he explained, provides a vital layer of internal governance, ensuring that the disciplinary framework is reinforced from within the dressing room itself, fostering a shared responsibility among the players.
The esteemed sextet includes seasoned defender Harry Maguire, the tenacious Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez, the vastly experienced third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, and the versatile Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui. Amorim notably added, “It’s not just the oldest ones. Nous (Mazraoui) is in the group because he’s a character that I like,” indicating a selection based on character and influence, not merely seniority.
Amorim’s rigorous approach commenced immediately upon the conclusion of Manchester United’s challenging Premier League campaign, even extending to a post-season tour. His primary objective has been to recalibrate the team’s collective spirit, striving to replicate the intense dedication and unity he believes are essential for sustained success in modern football.
The recent additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo further underscore Amorim’s strategic vision, with the manager expressing complete confidence in the former Wolves forward. He articulated his desire for players who embody a certain spirit: “Football has changed, the world has changed, but there are things we can replicate, like the spirit of the players. I think the fans deserve to have players like Matheus or Bruno.”
