‘Right guy at the right time’ – Amorim confident of changing Man Utd’s fortunes

Ruben Amorim believes he is the “right man at the right time” to turn around Manchester United's fortunes.

The 39-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year deal earlier this month to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027, replacing Erik ten Hag after he was sacked in October.

Amorim is the sixth permanent United manager since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, having left Sporting CP to take charge during the international break.

He won two Primeira Liga titles as Sporting's head coach and two Taca da Liga trophies as he led the club to a perfect start in the league this season, winning all eleven matches.

United sit 13th in the Premier League ahead of their trip to Ipswich Town with 15 points, although they are just four points behind Chelsea in third.

Amorim realized the scale of the task ahead of him in Manchester but is confident he can implement change.

“I'm a bit of a dreamer and I believe in myself, and I believe in the club,” he said at his first press conference.

“I think we have the same idea, the same mentality and that can help.

Ipswich Town.Portman Road.16:30 GMT.

We will be there.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/0eHCSDYmhE

– Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 21, 2024

“I really believe in the players; I know you don't believe much, but I do. I want to try new things. You don't think it's possible, I do.”

“Call me naive, but I believe I am the right man at the right time. I truly believe I am the right man.”

At 39 years and 302 days, Amorim will be the youngest to take charge of his first match for the Red Devils since Wilf McGuinness in August 1969 (31 years and 288 days).

United have won just four of their 11 league games so far this season and have struggled in front of goal, scoring just 12 times so far.

Amorim, who was expected to implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation, admitted it would take time for the club to adapt and asked for patience as the players got used to his tactics.

“I know that at Manchester United we have to win games. We need a lot of time because it is a tough competition, we have to improve a lot to try to win the title,” he added.

“We have to change the physical aspect of the team. I don't know how long it will take.”