Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim tempered celebrations after his team’s dominant 4-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford, stressing that there is still significant room for improvement. The win marked Amorim’s first Premier League triumph since taking charge, as United climbed to ninth place in the table. Despite the impressive scoreline, the Portuguese manager remained critical of his team’s overall performance, emphasizing the need for progress ahead of a grueling schedule.
Clinical Finish, but Challenges Remain
Goals came thick and fast as Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee each scored twice, delivering a much-needed boost for the Red Devils. However, Amorim highlighted moments during the match where United struggled to control the tempo.
“It was far from a perfect performance,” Amorim explained to BBC Sport after the match. “We have to improve, you can feel that in the game. After 15 minutes, Everton controlled the game, and it was difficult for us. We were losing the second ball.”
While the quality of United’s players helped them overcome some challenges, Amorim made it clear that individual brilliance alone is not a sustainable solution. “I felt that the players could solve some problems that we have as a team because of the quality that they have, but it was far from a perfect performance. However, it was a really good result in a tough match.”
Rebuilding Team Morale
Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has signaled a new chapter for the club, especially after a period of low morale during Erik ten Hag’s tenure. Since stepping into the managerial role, Amorim has focused on fostering a positive environment and clear communication.
Addressing how the mood among players has evolved, Amorim said, “It helps to have a new face, it always helps. We have to be very clear to our fans, and this will always help. Rather than trying to convince the fans about this performance, we have a lot to do, and it will take time.”
The manager also acknowledged the importance of patience from supporters as the team transitions under his leadership. “Sometimes we are not playing well but defended everyone together. Our fans just ask for hard work, and then in time they will ask for better football.”
A Tough Road Ahead
While the win over Everton was a morale booster, Amorim and his squad face a challenging set of fixtures in the coming weeks. First, they face Arsenal in a midweek Premier League showdown, followed by a clash against Nottingham Forest. Next on the horizon is a UEFA Europa League trip to Plzen, and soon after, Amorim will experience his first Manchester derby against rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Amorim’s history with City adds an intriguing layer to the derby. As the manager of Sporting CP, Amorim famously guided his team to a stunning 4-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side in the UEFA Champions League. While that success remains a proud achievement, Amorim knows that replicating such a result in the Premier League will be an entirely different challenge.
Progress Under Amorim’s Leadership
Amorim’s task at United is a monumental one. Taking over midseason, he has had to adapt quickly, implement his philosophy, and address the team’s weaknesses. Despite the challenges, he has already shown glimpses of what he can bring to the table.
His emphasis on teamwork and hard work resonates well with fans who crave a return to the glory days. The 4-0 victory over Everton showcased the potential within the squad, particularly in attack, where Rashford and Zirkzee demonstrated their clinical finishing. However, as Amorim pointed out, there is still much to do to ensure consistency across all areas of play.
Defensive issues and lapses in concentration remain areas of concern. Everton’s ability to control parts of the game highlighted vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, especially with tougher opponents like Arsenal and Manchester City on the horizon.
Balancing Expectations
While the victory against Everton offers a glimmer of hope, Amorim remains realistic about the journey ahead. He understands that rebuilding Manchester United into a title-contending team will not happen overnight.
“This result is a step forward,” he acknowledged, “but we must keep improving. It’s not just about one game or one win; it’s about creating a team capable of sustaining this level throughout the season.”
Amorim’s approach reflects a balance between optimism and pragmatism. While he celebrates the progress made, he refuses to lose sight of the work required to achieve long-term success.
Preparing for Arsenal and Beyond
As United prepare to face Arsenal, Amorim will undoubtedly focus on addressing the weaknesses exposed in the Everton match. Arsenal, a team brimming with quality and currently performing at a high level, will pose a far greater challenge. Amorim’s ability to adapt tactically and motivate his players will be crucial as United aim to build on their recent win.
The upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City will further test Amorim’s managerial acumen. With a packed schedule that also includes Europa League commitments, squad rotation and injury management will play vital roles in navigating this critical period.
Conclusion
Ruben Amorim’s early days at Manchester United have been a mix of challenges and small victories. While the 4-0 win over Everton was a statement of intent, Amorim’s candid assessment of the performance underscores his commitment to continuous improvement.
The road ahead is fraught with obstacles, but Amorim’s clear vision and emphasis on teamwork provide a foundation for optimism. As United face a series of tough fixtures, fans will look to see how Amorim’s leadership evolves and whether he can guide the Red Devils toward a brighter future.
With Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City looming, the next few weeks will be a defining period for Amorim and his squad. For now, the victory against Everton serves as both a confidence boost and a reminder of the work still to be done.
