Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd squad why all managers post-Fergie have failed with stars ‘blown away’ by ‘Mourinho 2.0’

RUBEN AMORIM believes Manchester United have failed because they have played in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson – rather than in his mind.

The new Old Trafford boss has not been shy about making big statements to the players during his first training sessions this week.

In a video released by United on Monday, Amorim, 39, tapped his stars who were not on international duty.

But SunSport can reveal the players have been 'blown away' by his immediate impact with 'Mourinho-style confidence'.

Fergie left 11 years ago and a string of managers, including the recently sacked Erik ten Hag, have not won the Premier League since.

A source said: 'He told them that top managers have not repeated Sir Alex's success because they have lived in his shadow, rather than letting their team play with his ghost.

“Even before the first session on Monday, the players were very impressed.

“After the sessions they are impressed by his energy, approach and self-confidence.

“There are definite Mourinho vibes in the way he speaks and his confidence, but the style is his own.

“The players think he is very approachable and that he will understand them. Some of them call him Mourinho 2.0.”

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Amorim was mentored by former United boss Jose Mourinho and even interned with him at Old Trafford for a week in 2018, shortly before his two-year spell as manager came to an end.

Portuguese boss Mourinho was also one of Amorim's first calls when he was offered a job at United, with the original Special One telling him to 'go for it'.

The source added: “He told those he has seen so far that the talent in the squad is incredible but they have to start playing as a team.”

The new head coach met a number of players in the Carrington gym last week, with others on holiday or with their national team.

But the likes of Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Marcus Rashford, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo were part of early drills on Monday in a new 3-4-3 shape and style.

Amorim is desperate to give United a new identity and put his stamp on the team from day one – with his first game at Ipswich on Sunday.

Amad Diallo, Antony, Rashford and Jonny Evans have all uploaded glowing messages on social media after their first sessions under the new head coach and his backroom team.

Amorim also told the players that he likes a set team but that they all have the chance to impress him on the training pitch.

Portuguese stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have been away on international duty but had already told their teammates they will be impressed and how good Amorim is in training.

The former Sporting manager was very affectionate with the players, telling them that it is only natural for him to have preconceived ideas about them, but that they have time to change their minds.

In his first interview, Amorim told his fans that they would immediately have an idea of ​​how he wants his team to play.

United are 13th with a zero goal difference, but just four points behind Chelsea in third place, with the Prem returning on Saturday.

And the stars on the training pitch left no doubt from the start about the form and system he wants to play.

The source added: “One thing the players will have to learn quickly is that it is imperative that they stick to his system and principles.

“He gets to hear how they live, how they want to work and how they can get the best out of themselves. ”

“Being only 39, he gets their fashion, their music and their feelings about the modern game.”

Mainoo received special treatment from ex-midfielder Amorim in the first session.

The England star, 19, was instructed on where to receive the ball and turn into space.

Antony was given a role as a right wing-back in training, but with Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoiu gone, he is unlikely to play there at Portman Road.

Shaw is trying to get back to fitness and he spent the 3-4-3 training playing on the left of Jonny Evans in the back three, with Yoro on the right.

Casemiro and Mainoo were in midfield with Rashford up front. Mount and Amad took the number 10 roles behind the striker.

The source added: “The players and the club are energetic. The other players will want to go back to Carrington to prove themselves.”