“I know everything…” Rúben Amorim’s ‘favourite’ Manchester United star is a gift from Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has gifted Rúben Amorim his potential favourite player at Manchester United as he takes charge of the club as the new head coach at Old Trafford.

Rúben Amorim has officially been appointed as Manchester United’s new head coach, stepping in after Erik ten Hag was sacked last month.

Despite being unveiled two weeks ago, Amorim was delayed in joining the club due to complications surrounding his release clause from Sporting CP. These contractual issues have now been resolved, allowing him to finally take charge this week.

Read More: “Without a doubt…” – Ruben Amorim told his first priority with Man Utd squad before Ipswich clash

In his absence, Ruud van Nistelrooy served as interim manager, guiding United to three victories and a draw, which helped boost their positions in both the Premier League and Europa League. Still, they remain 13th in the league and 15th in Europe.

Now, the 39-year-old Amorim faces a daunting challenge as he settles into his new role, with his first training session scheduled for early next week.

Amorim’s playing past

While Amorim is rising to fame as a coach, he also had a very successful past, playing for Portuguese side Braga and the Portuguese national side, winning ten trophies with Braga, including three league titles.

Although he mainly played as a midfielder, Amorim revealed during his first club interview that he was someone who played in almost every position during his career, describing himself foremost as a team player.

“You don’t know my past as a football player, but I was a football player who played in any position,” he explained.

“So I played right-back, left-back, centre-back, midfielder, winger, number ten, number eight—I didn’t play goalkeeper and striker, so [I didn’t play in] two positions.

“I was a team player, and for me, that was important. And because I was a team player, sometimes I had to stay on the bench, so I know everything my players feel.

“When I think about a team, I think about every player, about the fans, every feeling, everything is on my mind.”

Erik ten Hag’s gift

Considering this, the brilliant Noussair Mazraoui seems to be a star he will appreciate more than anyone else at United.

Signed by Erik ten Hag in the most recent transfer window, Mazraoui has since been hailed as one of the best value-for-money signings in the Premier League. He has proven his versatility, playing right- and left-back and as an attacking midfielder.

With Amorim focusing on wanting team players who will play anywhere for the sake of the larger picture, Mazraoui fits this bill perfectly.

In Amorim’s system, Mazraoui will be able to occupy both wing-back positions as well as a midfield role, while his defensive contributions show he may be able to handle himself in a back three, as well.

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