“I don’t want to say…” – Ruben Amorim disagrees with Erik ten Hag on five Manchester United players

Ruben Amorim conducted his first interview as Manchester United head coach this week and disagreed with an Erik ten Hag assessment on five players.

Ruben Amorim took control at Manchester United at the beginning of the week and is awaiting his first Premier League match against Ipswich Town next weekend.

During Erik ten Hag’s time in charge at the club, he utilised the youth in the squad, most notably by developing Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

However, the former United boss regularly eased the expectations of the players, and sometimes used them as an excuse for when the club was not progressing.

“We made the choice for younger players and you can’t expect them to be at the (top) level,” he said in October, weeks before getting sacked.

“We have to improve them and they have to improve themselves and we have to find a team that can be successful on a consistent basis.

“This team, in the last two years, has shown what they can do with patience. With patience we can win trophies and now we have to get more consistent.”

Meanwhile, new boss Amorim had a completely different outlook when asked about the young talent he is taking over at Old Trafford.

In his first interview with club media, being in a long-term project with the potential of Leny Yoro, Rasmus Højlund, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo was brought up to him.

“I don’t want to say that we need time because we are a young team,” stressed the 39-year-old. “They are prepared.

“They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United – they should be because they are here.”

Amorim showed full trust in many youth products during his time at Sporting and it seems clear that he will do the same with those at Carrington.

However, he also clearly acknowledges that when he decides to promote a player, it is because they are ready for the challenge and it will not be an excuse for him.

Behind-closed-doors he will support his players and squad until the end.

“I will do everything for the team,” he adds. “I will defend my players if I have to all the time, against everybody. That is a key point for me.

“I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs.”

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