Manchester United’s Preseason Opener
In light of Manchester United’s lackluster performance in their preseason opener, head coach Ruben Amorim did not hold back in assessing the team’s deficiencies. The match concluded in a frustrating goalless draw against Leeds United, leaving Amorim concerned about the club’s offensive capabilities and overall speed on the field. Last season, United struggled significantly, finding the back of the net only 44 times during their Premier League campaign, a trend that regrettably continued into this match.
New Signings and Tactical Adjustments
Despite the introduction of new signing Matheus Cunha, who transferred from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a hefty £62.5 million (approximately $83.8 million), United’s attack remained uninspired. Cunha made his debut as a left attacking midfielder, while Bruno Fernandes played a more withdrawn role, a tactical arrangement that Amorim indicated isn’t completely suitable for his vision of the team’s play.
Moreover, the Portuguese manager is looking forward to bolstering his squad with the anticipated arrival of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, who he hopes will inject much-needed pace into the attacking line. Amorim reflected on the performance during an interview with MUTV, stating,
“We have a lack of pace. Especially in the middle of the park, you can feel it’s hard to bring the ball forward.”
Addressing Team Shortcomings
Addressing the team’s penalty area shortcomings, he noted,
“We created chances. We have a lot to do but it was a first test against a Premier League team with two different teams, a good test.”
He emphasized the need for players like Cunha—who can exploit spaces and display aggression on the pitch—hoping for a better connection with Fernandes as their understanding develops.
Squad Morale and Future Challenges
Marcus Rashford remains among a handful of players who may be leaving the club this summer, with speculation surrounding a potential move to Barcelona. Nevertheless, Amorim reassured fans that the morale within the squad is high despite the rumors swirling about players’ departures. He confirmed,
“The environment is really good; of course sometimes we are going to struggle, but what I felt in the first moment is that if we are going to struggle, we will struggle together. That is the beginning of everything.”
The coach acknowledged that while effort is vital, it is the quality that ultimately defines success:
“This club is not just about the effort; it’s about the quality—we have to win games.”
Preparing for the Upcoming Tour
As the team prepares for their upcoming tour in the U.S., which will see them face West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton from July 26 to August 3, Amorim stressed the importance of building cohesion.
“We need to create that bond between everybody—not just between the players but the staff,”
he explained. He also pointed out that it is critical for the team to address their game speed and other pivotal details to enhance performance ahead of the new season.
