Jamie Carragher has named the one 'radical' thing Ruben Amorim did that left him excited to watch Manchester United's match against Ipswich this weekend.
Amorim has been the talk of the Premier League since he was unveiled as United's new manager following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. He will officially start work at Portman Road on Sunday.
The Portuguese has lifted the spirits at Old Trafford after the club's worst start to the Premier League season, with the club sitting 13th in the league after the international break and already 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.
United supporters believe Amorim will change the club's fortunes after a 100 percent winning start to the season at former club Sporting Lisbon, including a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Man City in his last home game in Portugal.
One aspect of his United reign that has come under intense scrutiny is Amorim's preference to use a 3-5-2 formation. If introduced in Manchester, he will be the only manager in the Premier League's traditional 'big six' to do so.
Despite being United's youngest ever Premier League manager at just 39, Amorim has told supporters they will see his 'identity' from the start, something Carragher has surprisingly praised.
In his first interview with MUTV, Amorim said: “Day one we start with our identity.
“I think you'll see an idea. You may like it or not, I don't know, but you will see an idea. You see a positioning. You will see something that we want to achieve. You will feel that. I can guarantee this.'
Carragher has now given his verdict on Amorim's assessment of what's to come, writing in The Telegraph: 'These are the words you expect from top coaches.
'I can't wait to watch United play Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon as we are about to witness one of the most radical mid-season changes in formation and strategy ever imposed by any of the elite clubs. '
The buzz over Amorim's arrival will soon be extinguished if United do not beat Ipswich, with United assistant Kieran McKenna looking to guide the newly promoted side to safety.
Ipswich have won just once this season (a shock 2-1 win over Spurs last time) and Amorim is tasked with avoiding a disappointment that would be his first defeat of the season after a stunning start to the season at former club Sporting.
In stark contrast to his predecessor, Ten Hag, Amorim gets a boost by being able to choose from an almost fully fit squad for his opening game in the United dugout.
Teenage sensation Leny Yoro could make his long-awaited debut after successfully recovering from surgery, while other notable long-term absentees Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount have all taken part in recent training.
Amorim will sit down with the British media for the first time on Friday ahead of Sunday's match, knowing that a win will close the gap with the Premier League's top four.
Comments