Manchester United return to Premier League action against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon but Ruben Amorim’s squad will have a slightly different routine than they’ve become used to.
After an encouraging pre-season, Manchester United now turn their focus to a blockbuster Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday, 17 August at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim’s side, boosted by impressive displays over the summer, know they must hit the ground running as Mikel Arteta’s well-drilled Arsenal visit in a clash packed with intrigue, new faces and early-season pressure.
While it is a difficult game for the Reds, they do have the advantage of hosting the Gunners at Old Trafford, where they will be hoping to have a much better record this season.
There will be one clear change for Amorim’s squad in this game though, and it comes before a ball has been kicked on the turf at the stadium.
Amorim changes Ten Hag’s routine for United fixtures
When Erik ten Hag joined United, he soon implemented a change that received support from fans. It was decided that United players would be tasked with arriving at Old Trafford for home games four hours before kick-off.
This allowed them to eat their pre-match meal and prepare for the game inside the stadium. It was a policy that continued under Amorim last season.
But the Portuguese boss has confirmed that this will change in the new season, starting with the game against Arsenal, partly due to the new £500 million Carrington redevelopments.
United’s squad will instead meet up at the new-look training ground ahead of home fixtures before travelling to the stadium around two hours before kick-off instead.
For the Arsenal clash, which kicks off at 16:30 BST, the Reds are expected to arrive at Old Trafford at around 14:45 BST.
Why Amorim has made this change
Amorim’s reasoning for this change is understandable, with the United boss wanting to have full momentum of the stadium when heading to Old Trafford.
“I always had the feeling that we arrive at Old Trafford and Old Trafford must be the centre of the game, but we cannot spend four hours there waiting for the game,” Amorim explained when speaking to club media.
“And I feel with these facilities [at Carrington] we can be here, preparing for the game away from Old Trafford and when we arrive at Old Trafford, we have to feel the fans and then go directly to the game, not killing the momentum of the connection with our fans.
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“We know that we have a lot of people waiting there for us, to be with the players and to sign autographs. We will try to do the same.
“So, it’s going to be the same experience for the fans, but for us it’s going to be better because we are going to feel, nearer the game, the momentum with the fans and we will spend less time in there.”
United fans will certainly be hoping that this has a positive influence on the Reds, and helps to improve their home form in the new season.
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