Football
Wes Brown talks exclusively to William Hill: Amorim is the right man to lead Man U to improving
Former Manchester United defender and five-time Premier League winner, two time Champions League winner talks exclusively to William Hill about the incoming Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim and what he will need to do to get Manchester United back to challenging for the Premier League. Wes also shares what it will be like for the players as Amorim gets to work with his philosophy and style of football.
Ruben Amorim to Manchester United. The right pick or do you think there were other targets in mind? Marco Silva was eyed as well and Thomas Tuchel was linked before he took the England job. Kieran Mckenna too?
You only have to look at his managerial career to see he has done an excellent job so far. To achieve the success at Sporting Lisbon that he has, is very good and from what I have seen in his interviews, he looks a very confident person, smiling, engaging and his players perform for him and want to do well. You also look at how he handles the press, he has a warm feeling about him, so the players will like him. I believe the Club would have done their analysis on choosing Amorim, so they will be confident, they have the right man to lead Manchester United to improving.
What is Ruben Amorim’s first big task at Man United?
I’ve seen Ruben Amorim’s Sporting team play and one of the first things he will be doing is looking at the players that can fit into the formation he wants to play.
Every player is on trial, so to speak and they have to impress to be in that first XI. Amorim will look to stamp his mark on the team by sharing his philosophy, ways of playing and want the buy in of the players. This is really important. He has to get working hard on the training field to ensure the players know exactly what they need to do, to play his style of football.
How long will he realistically need to turn it around?
It’s a difficult question, but there is no reason why Manchester United can’t look to finish in the top 4. They have to set these targets as it’s Manchester United. In terms of progress, the bread and butter is the Premier League, so improving on last years finish and performances will be a start. This is the most important thing as Erik ten Hag won two trophies which is excellent, but you have to perform in the Premier League.
Why do you think the winning mentality has been lost at United?
The team could just not be consistent enough and even though two trophies were won by Erik Ten Hag, the performances in the Premier League weren’t good enough and the League position is something Manchester United pride themselves on and it’s a reflection of the club as the League is the priority to ensure you finish as high as possible.
Do United need better players? If so, which areas need addressing?
Now it’s up to the new people in charge. Amorim will be able to address the squad, and with his style of play and the formation, he may find a player who plays in a new role, which can reinvigorate them. Every player is on trial, so they will have to perform to make the team so let’s see how they perform and look to improve. After that then Amorim will look to recruit based on where he thinks the squad needs improving with the style of play he is looking to deliver for Manchester United.
What are your thoughts on Marcus Rashford? Could a new manager get him back on track?
Marcus is a great lad. I hope he can rediscover his top form under Amorim as it’s great to see local players perform well for Manchester United. Amorim will look to see how the players perform to then decide who is the player or players that he wants to have around and build the squad around. There are young players coming through Amad and Garnacho who have such a bright future, so expect them to be part of Amorim’s plans.
What are your memories playing with Keane and how do you rate him as a pundit?
My breakthrough season was 1999 and we won the treble. It doesn’t get any better than this. It was like, this is the norm, and I was just living the dream. Roy is great, he is honest, gets his point across well and you want him on your team.
You played alongside Ruud van Nistelrooy. Could he potentially return one day? And what job do you think he will take on next?
Absolutely why not. If he keeps on pushing with this career and does well with his next Managerial role, then it could happen. But with Manchester United Manager role being the most sought after and toughest, job, the credentials are going to be so high.
Much has been made of his charisma. Do you think Erik ten Hag was perhaps too lacking in that department? How important is it?
Yes, I like what I have seen from Amorim from his press and media interviews and he really looks a top Coach and engaging personality. Nowadays with all the requirements from a Coach, this is important. The players do watch these media interviews as well. This Manchester United job is arguably the biggest club in the world so all the media eyes will be on him. But he looks like he will be able to handle it well. Erik had his style of management and he did win two trophies at Manchester United, so his way, he felt worked.
In hindsight when it comes to Ten Hag, did he make mistakes with De Gea, Ronaldo and Sancho? Or was it justified to be moved on?
This is the hardest job in management arguably, especially with the history. Erik knew it was a tough job and you have to give credit to him. Two trophies is brilliant, but ultimately the downfall for a team like Manchester United is the Premier League position. Results in the Premier League is week in week out and it’s he just hasn’t been able to get the results.
United’s big decline. Does it sadden you and other former players? Do you wish, perhaps, that those with your experience should have been more involved since Ferguson’s retirement?
It’s a different era now. Sir Alex knew the club inside out and you look at what he achieved. He was immense for the Club and knew what it took to be successful and also he could repeat success year after year.
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