Manchester United Faces Tough Challenges After U.S. Preseason Tour
Manchester United concluded their summer tour of the United States with a mix of optimism and concern, particularly following a 2-2 draw against Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. While the team secured victories against West Ham in New Jersey and Bournemouth in Chicago, the match against Everton raised familiar issues that the club must address before the upcoming season.
As Ruben Amorim, the new head coach, returned to Manchester late Sunday night, he acknowledged the reality check provided by the draw. “I think we struggled today a little bit,” Amorim said, reflecting on the performance. “The feeling of not performing like we’re supposed to do, but it was OK. I think it’s the perfect feeling to go back to Carrington. We are going with the feeling that we need to do a lot of things [better].”
Amorim has taken on the considerable task of leading Manchester United out of their worst season in over 50 years. His primary goal is to return the club to European competitions, a challenge that requires overcoming a deficit of more than 20 points.
The summer tour was framed as a fresh start for the team, with Amorim receiving backing from the board to make significant roster decisions. He excluded several players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, from the tour to emphasize the importance of commitment and team unity.
To foster a cohesive environment, Amorim implemented new team rules designed to encourage bonding among players. For example, he opted for larger circular tables in the dining area to prevent cliques and promote interaction. The change was well-received, with the entire team opting to dine together at TAO Asian Bistro, demonstrating a shift towards collective experiences.
Amorim’s approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, who was known for strict management styles. Amorim aims to create an atmosphere where players feel trusted and valued, drawing on his experiences as a player at Benfica and Braga. While he maintains discipline, he also allows players more freedom, such as time for leisure walks around Chicago’s Magnificent Mile after training.
In preparation for the season, Amorim emphasized the importance of fitness. Each player was fitted with GPS trackers during training sessions at Chicago Fire’s training ground, allowing staff to monitor performance levels. “If you don’t train in the right way, I have footage to show you,” Amorim stated, indicating a commitment to accountability.
The coach has also formed a six-member leadership team, including players like Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Diogo Dalot, to help manage team dynamics. This initiative aims to empower players to address minor issues among themselves, alleviating some responsibilities from Amorim.
Despite the positive atmosphere during preseason, Amorim remains cautious about the challenges ahead. The club’s early fixtures include tough matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. “Much of the talk in the U.S. has been about a reset. A fresh start and a clean slate,” he noted, but he understands that optimism may quickly fade if results do not meet expectations.
The effectiveness of this summer’s preparations will be put to the test when Arsenal visits Old Trafford on August 17, 2024. Reflecting on the preseason, player Joshua Zirkzee encapsulated the sentiment among supporters: “They would rather see some actions on the pitch.” As the new season approaches, Manchester United’s ability to translate their preseason positivity into tangible results will be crucial for their aspirations.
