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Amorim says he’s ‘where I am supposed to be’ in first Man Utd interview as RvN pens farewell message

    amorim-says-he’s-‘where-i-am-supposed-to-be’-in-first-man-utd-interview-as-rvn-pens-farewell-message

    New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he is “where I am supposed to be” in his first interview as Erik ten Hag’s successor at Old Trafford.

    The Red Devils appointed Amorim a couple of weeks ago as they moved quickly to replace Ten Hag, who they sacked after a terrible start to the new season.

    Man Utd only won three of their opening nine matches under Ten Hag and have gained another four points in the two games since his departure, against Chelsea and Leicester City, with interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy doing well in his short stint.

    The Red Devils have done well to keep goals out this term with 12 conceded in 11 matches but they have the fourth-worst attack in the Premier League and sit 13th in the table.

    Amorim has a big job on his hands to turn their fortunes around but in his first interview as Man Utd manager, the former Sporting Lisbon boss insisted he is “where I am supposed to be”.

    The new Man Utd boss told MUTV: “You watch on TV and you know that it’s big and it’s impressive, but when you are here you can feel it and I think you feel the history.

    “I’m really, really proud to be a Manchester United coach, so it’s amazing. It’s a real honour to be here.”

    When told by the interviewer that there is a “weight to the place but it does lift you up”, Amorim added: “That’s really funny because I feel very relaxed.

    “Maybe because its not gameday, when we have a game I’m a different guy but I really don’t feel the weight.

    “I’m really excited and I’m quite relaxed you know. I think I am where I am supposed to be. That’s the feeling.”

    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
    👉 Man Utd star ‘wants’ transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona after being told to ‘get a job somewhere else’
    👉 Man Utd put star ‘on exit ramp’ in first casualty of Amorim reign as Chelsea lead race for replacement
    👉 Reliable journalist ‘has heard’ Man Utd now ‘very serious option’ for Arsenal target; Gyokeres update

    On the same day, Van Nistelrooy, who was told he would no longer be needed at Man Utd, penned a farewell message to the Red Devils fans after a short stint back at Old Trafford.

    Van Nistelrooy wrote on social media: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans.

    “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

    “It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

    “M.U.F.C will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!

    “All the best and take care, Ruud.”

    United’s interest in “world class” midfielder intensifies, but there’s a major red flag – report

      united’s-interest-in-“world-class”-midfielder-intensifies,-but-there’s-a-major-red-flag-–-report

      Manchester United could be heading back to Bavaria to bolster their squad this summer, with Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka a reported target.

      The Old Trafford club raided Bayern for defensive reinforcements earlier this year in the shape of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

      And according to the FC Bayern Insider Podcast, via TBR football, United have a firm interest in the “world class” Goretzka, who has fallen out of favour under Vincent Kompany.

      Speaking on the podcast, German football journalist Tobi Altschaffl said: “Goretzka is an issue at Manchester United. The new coach is said to be looking for reinforcements, and that might be an option for the summer.”

      Altschaffl did, however, dispel rumours that the player has already been offered to United, explaining that “Bayern Munich doesn’t do that.

      “That’s not Bayern-like. Bayern don’t do that as a matter of principle, unless you’re talking about younger players.”

      Nobody would be surprised if the 29-year-old was looking for a Bayern exit, given that he has spent the majority of the season so far on the bench.

      The German has appeared nine times in the Bundesliga, making only one start and racking up just 186 minutes.

      It’s all too familiar to see United sniffing around a top-class midfielder as their powers begin to wane, with Casemiro a very current reminder of the potential flaws of this policy.

      There’s even a direct history of this with Bayern Munich, when Bastian Schweinsteiger was brought in under Louis van Gaal as a flagship signing. The fact that Bayern were prepared to part ways with him at all should have been a red flag, and this should be borne in mind with any approach for Goretzka.

      Nevertheless, United fans can certainly expect midfield reinforcements as Ruben Amorim steps into the dugout.

      The Portuguese coach will place heavy emphasis on intensity in midfield, and with question marks over how Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will cope with this, new signings are inevitable.

      Featured image Stuart Franklin via Getty Images

      Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

      Premier League: Most Open Play Goals

        premier-league:-most-open-play-goals
        # TEAM Last 6 P W D L GF GA GD PTS
        P
        Played
        W
        Wins
        D
        Draws
        L
        Losses
        GF
        Goals For
        GA
        Goals Against
        GD
        Goal Difference
        PTS
        Points

        Open Play Goals

        Yes, set-pieces matter – more than ever given the number of set-piece coaches across the Premier League clubs – but there is something more pure about goals scored in open play. This table ranks clubs on the goals they have scored in such a way, from top to Everton.

        United and Liverpool’s battle for Robinson takes fresh twist following Fulham revelation

          united-and-liverpool’s-battle-for-robinson-takes-fresh-twist-following-fulham-revelation

          Manchester United and Liverpool are hot on the scent of Antonee Robinson, but Fulham are prepared to leave the arch-rivals frustrated by rejecting any January bids for the left-back.

          Football Insider quote well-connected former scout Mick Brown as calling the 27-year-old a “leading candidate” for anyone looking to sign a left-back.

          He confirmed that the American has been watched by top Premier League clubs, and named United and Liverpool among them, but admitted he is unsure whether they will end up making a move.

          But Fulham, who are three points clear of United in seventh place, are tipped to rebuff any January approaches for one of their key men.

          “From what I hear, Fulham won’t let him leave in January anyway,” Brown said. “So if [a move] happens in won’t be until the end of the season.”

          Robinson has played every minute of every league game so far for Marco Silva’s side, picking up three assists.

          While Liverpool look for a long-term successor for Andy Robertson, United are in the precarious position of making it nearly a third of the way through the season without a single minute played by a natural left-back.

          The Old Trafford side have long-standing issues in the position, with senior figures Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia both yet to make an appearance this season due to injury.

          Both players are notorious for their injury record, and eyebrows were raised when United didn’t address the left side of their defence in the summer.

          Right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been filling in, with cameo appearances from Lisandro Martinez and even Jonny Evans.

          The club went so far as to reduce its options over the summer, allowing promising youngster Alvaro Fernandez Carreras to make a move to Benfica after spending a season there on loan.

          United are already being linked with bringing him back to Old Trafford, and he is thought to be another player of interest to Liverpool thanks to his fine form in Portugal.

          17-year-old Harry Amass was promoted to the first-team squad by Erik ten Hag but is yet to feature.

          Whatever happens with Robinson, it is overwhelmingly likely that new boss Ruben Amorim will insist on wide defensive reinforcements.

          The Portuguese tactician makes heavy use of wing backs in his preferred 3-4-3 formation, and will want to have specialists, not stand-ins, filling those key roles.

          Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.

          Reliable journalist ‘has heard’ Man Utd now ‘very serious option’ for Arsenal target; Gyokeres update

            reliable-journalist-‘has-heard’-man-utd-now-‘very-serious-option’-for-arsenal-target;-gyokeres-update

            Leroy Sane is a “very serious option” for Man Utd despite rumours he “won’t go back to Manchester”, according to Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk.

            The Red Devils are looking to give new boss Ruben Amorim the tools to be a success after replacing Erik ten Hag as Man Utd manager earlier this week.

            Man Utd made five signings in the summer as they looked to support Ten Hag but their terrible results and performances this season cost him his job.

            And there are some concerns that Amorim will have to go back into the transfer market as soon as possible to bring in players to suit his preferred 3-4-3 system, which he has been using at Sporting Lisbon.

            Former Man City winger Sane has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, while a number of top Premier League sides want Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.

            And Sport Bild journalist Falk could see both players at Man Utd under Amorim with Sane a “very serious option” for the Red Devils over the next couple of transfer windows.

            Falk told Caught Offside: “Previously, there had yet to be any offers from interesting clubs for Leroy Sane, but now we have Arsenal and Mikel Arteta (who Sane knows from his time at Man City). London, of course, is a great city; it’s always been a point for Sane and his family that they weren’t 100% settled and comfortable in Manchester.

            “Arsenal could then be an option for Sane, as they’re playing Champions League football (and likely to continue doing so next season). Newcastle, who have also been linked, aren’t in Europe’s top-flight and look likely to next year.

            MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
            👉 Man Utd star ‘wants’ transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona after being told to ‘get a job somewhere else’
            👉 Man Utd put star ‘on exit ramp’ in first casualty of Amorim reign as Chelsea lead race for replacement
            👉 Man Utd top injury table with 57 Premier League games missed

            “Now, I’ve heard Manchester United are also knocking at his door. Many people think he won’t go back to Manchester, but United is a very serious option for him. However, I think he first wants to show that he can do it at Bayern Munich. Bayern, on their part, don’t want to pay him €20m again.

            “He’s currently achieving this quite easily; he gets €15m straight every year and then after every six matches he earns €1m (which stops at €5m in total). Bayern want to reduce his overall salary (I heard 25% less), which will be difficult because he’s a free agent in the summer.

            “Therefore, he has to play at a high level now to convince the club to make him a really good offer.

            “Manchester United are big competition for Viktor Gyokeres. It’s easier, of course, for United with Ruben Amorim having swapped Sporting CP for Old Trafford.

            “Also, Bayern already have Harry Kane in the squad, so Gyokeres won’t get so much playing time in Munich, which isn’t a great argument for Vincent Komapany’s side. The Red Devils are also interested in another Bayern Munich target in Benjamin Sesko (so you see the club is always competing with the Premier League).”

            Man Utd transfers: Amorim eyes £112m Premier League duo as his first two signings

              man-utd-transfers:-amorim-eyes-112m-premier-league-duo-as-his-first-two-signings

              Man Utd want to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez to boost Ruben Amorim’s chances of a successful start to his career at Old Trafford, according to reports.

              The Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag at the end of last month after a terrible run of form spelled the end of the road for the former Ajax boss.

              Man Utd moved quickly to hire Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim with the Portuguese coach flying to Manchester on Monday to officially join.

              Amorim took charge of his final Sporting match on Sunday with the Portuguese top-flight leaders beating Braga 4-2 to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points.

              And, with Amorim now in Manchester, the Portuguese coach can now get to work on deciding his formation and tactics, meet the players and start forward planning.

              There have already been lots of rumours about who Amorim could ask Man Utd to sign in the next couple of transfer windows as he looks for support in the market.

              Many Sporting players have been linked with following Amorim to Old Trafford but that is something the new Man Utd boss has ruled out until at least the summer.

              And now Football Transfers claim that Man Utd ‘return to’ their interest in Everton centre-back Branthwaite and Bournemouth left-back Kerkez as they look to improve their squad for Amorim.

              The report adds:

              ‘We understand Ineos are very keen on the youngster [Branthwaite], believing that he can be a key figure at the club as the first-choice left-sided central defender.

              ‘However, the Toffees see Branthwaite as their most valuable player and maintain an asking price of above €70 million ahead of next year’s transfer windows.

              ‘Furthermore, sources inform us that United are monitoring Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth. Even though Luke Shaw is back fit, there is real concern over his future at Old Trafford given the amount of injuries he’s endured. Tyrell Malacia is getting up to speed, too, but he is another whose future at the club is under question.

              ‘The Cherries are bracing for approaches for several of their players next year, including Illia Zabarnyi, so it’s thought that United will have to act fast for the Hungary international.’

              MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
              👉 Man Utd star ‘wants’ transfer to Real Madrid or Barcelona after being told to ‘get a job somewhere else’
              👉 Man Utd put star ‘on exit ramp’ in first casualty of Amorim reign as Chelsea lead race for replacement
              👉 Man Utd top injury table with 57 Premier League games missed

              Former Man Utd striker Teddy Sheringham has pinpointed what Amorim’s first priority has to be in his new role at Old Trafford.

              Sheringham told Best Offshore Sportsbooks: “Ruben Amorim’s first priority at Manchester United is to get the work ethic back into Manchester United. Without a doubt. It’s not about showing your skills and showing how good you are as a player.

              “If you want to be successful, you need work ethic from the team, you need to understand as a player that everybody needs to help each other. Show a bit of passion and enthusiasm for the badge.

              “These players have to realise how privileged they are to play for Manchester United.

              “I’m trying to think of all the words that Sir Alex Ferguson would have used to make sure you understand what it is to play for Manchester United. You’re not playing for any other club in the country or in the world that is bigger.

              “This is a club that is supported by millions around the globe, and they would change places with you in a heartbeat.

              “The players have to get that across with your individual performances and as a team. If Amorim can get that back, if he can get the right vibe and the crowd get behind them, that can snowball.

              “The snowball effect could be unbelievable and could get United on a massive charge. He’s got to get that ball rolling with the players that he’s got at his disposal.”

              Amorim’s first words to United stars speak volumes about the change of mood at Old Trafford – report

                amorim’s-first-words-to-united-stars-speak-volumes-about-the-change-of-mood-at-old-trafford-–-report

                Manchester United’s new boss Ruben Amorim has been to Carrington to greet some of his new players and told them they will have fun together.

                The Portuguese jetted to Manchester earlier in the week with his new staff to meet the top brass at the club.

                He cannot work on the field yet as his work visa has not yet been cleared but he is expected to be able to do so from next week.

                As it is the international break, many of United’s first team stars are scattered across the globe on international duty for their national teams but some have remained at Carrington, in particular some of the injured stars.

                Amorim was already snapped by club media meeting some of the players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.

                The Manchester Evening News reports that “Amorim met with Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer while at the training ground, shaking hands and hugging them as he toured the building.”

                “He also met academy youngsters including Daniel Armer, Amir Ibragimov and Ruben Curley, who have all trained with the first-team in recent weeks.”

                “At one point Amorim pulled them all together and said: ‘I’m thrilled to be here, and guys, we have to have fun.’ The footage was captured by MUTV as they followed the club’s new boss around.”

                The former Sporting coach also met with other members of staff such as Darren Fletcher and Andreas Georgson, who will both work with the six coaches and analysts he has brought with him from Portugal.

                Amorim has been praised by former players, pundits and fans for his ability to motivate and build relationships with players and United are in dire need of this trait.

                The 39 year old is also viewed as someone who is very demanding and he will need to find the balance between motivating and also keeping certain players in check who have let down manager after manager at Old Trafford.

                It is a balance that former boss Erik ten Hag could never really achieve but the club will be hoping that Amorim’s clear charisma and charm will stand him in good stead in this regard, as they strive to get back to the top of English and European football.

                Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

                Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                United battling Real Madrid in chase for “one of the most outstanding prospects on the continent” – report

                  united-battling-real-madrid-in-chase-for-“one-of-the-most-outstanding-prospects-on-the-continent”-–-report

                  Manchester United and Real Madrid are set to battle it out for Sporting Lisbon centre back Gonçalo Inácio.

                  With Ruben Amorim planning to change United’s formation to a 3-4-3, the Red Devils will need to find defenders who are comfortable playing in a back three.

                  There are rumours that United have not given up their pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and could make a move for the defender in the winter or summer.

                  The Red Devils have also recently been linked to Sporting duo Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, as Amorim has been tipped to raid his former team.

                  Inacio was heavily linked at one stage to the Red Devils in the summer but a move could be more realistic now with Amorim on the books. However, they will inevitably face tough competition for the talented central defender.

                  Fichajes report that “Gonçalo Inácio, the 23-year-old Portuguese centre-back, has caught the attention of Real Madrid and Manchester United, two of the giants of European football who are looking to strengthen their defence with one of the most outstanding prospects on the continent.”

                  The defender is said to have “remarkable ability in defence”, which has sparked an “intense” battle for his signature.

                  He “has quickly established himself, thanks to his defensive solidity, tactical intelligence and ability with the ball at his feet. These qualities have allowed him to stand out in the Portuguese league and in European competitions, becoming one of the most complete centre-backs of his generation.”

                  His aerial dominance and ability to anticipate danger has made him a priority solution for both clubs as United prepare to steal a march on their eternal transfer foes.

                  The Spanish outlet asserts that United are keen to land him as they are “looking for a centre-back who can provide stability, a priority for the coming years, given the competitiveness of the Premier League.”

                  Inacio would certainly add knowledge of playing in a back three and could provide crucial understanding for Amorim’s tactical set up.

                  What’s more with the likes of Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire all likely to leave in the not so distant future, United will need to sign more centre backs if they are to seriously commit to playing with three defenders in the long term.

                  Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

                  Man Utd put star ‘on exit ramp’ in first casualty of Amorim reign as Chelsea lead race for replacement

                    man-utd-put-star-‘on-exit-ramp’-in-first-casualty-of-amorim-reign-as-chelsea-lead-race-for-replacement

                    Man Utd have decided to allow summer signing Joshua Zirkzee to leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window, according to reports.

                    The Red Devils made five signings in the summer transfer window as they looked to give Erik ten Hag their full support after deciding to keep him on over the summer.

                    Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui all joined before the end of the summer market but they have yet to have the impact the Man Utd hierarchy and fans were hoping.

                    Ten Hag was sacked after winning just three of the Red Devils’ opening nine Premier League matches with Ruben Amorim replacing him on Monday.

                    Man Utd are currently 13th in the Premier League after interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy added another four points to their Premier League total before leaving the club earlier this week.

                    Amorim will play a different formation to Ten Hag at Man Utd and there are concerns that he won’t have the players required to play that system straight away.

                    And one player who Amorim may not be keen on is Zirkzee with the 23-year-old Netherlands international struggling to adapt to the Premier League.

                    Zirkzee is failing to impact matches as hoped with one goal and one assist in 11 Premier League appearances this season as Rasmus Hojlund has recently taken his starting place in the team.

                    MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
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                    👉 ‘Weird’ Man Utd transfer dismissed after claims £85m man could be swapped for exciting Brazilian
                    👉 Man Utd top injury table with 57 Premier League games missed

                    Reports in Spain claim that Zirkzee ‘could return to Italy’ with Man Utd now putting the Dutchman ‘on the exit ramp’ ahead of the winter transfer window.

                    It is said that Zirkzee ‘has not managed to adapt to the demands of Old Trafford, where his performance is far from the expected level’ and ‘the possibility of an early exit is beginning to gain strength’.

                    Man Utd are ‘already considering options for Zirkzee’s future, which has sparked the interest of several clubs in Italy, who are closely monitoring his situation’.

                    It is understood that the Red Devils’ ‘initial intention was to develop him as a key player in their forward line, the possibility of Zirkzee finding a new direction in Italy is increasingly palpable’.

                    There have been a number of rumours about who Amorim’s first signing as Man Utd manager could be with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres heavily linked.

                    But reports in Spain indicate that Premier League rivals Chelsea ‘appear to have taken the lead in the race’ to sign the Sweden international.

                    Gyokeres is ‘aiming to leave Portugal very soon’ and Chelsea’s ‘operation could be one of the most significant of the next market’.

                    “Get a different job”: United legend lambasts star’s response to critics

                      “get-a-different-job”:-united-legend-lambasts-star’s-response-to-critics

                      Manchester United legend Roy Keane has criticised Alejandro Garnacho’s lack of celebration against Leicester City last weekend.

                      The Argentine came off the bench to score a sumptuous strike from outside the box to give the Red Devils a 3-0 lead on the day.

                      It was his seventh goal of the season as he looks well on course to smash his career record of 10 strikes in a campaign.

                      Despite this, Garnacho has suffered criticism for some of his performances from fans and was filmed by a supporter last week outside of Old Trafford telling him to improve.

                      The 20 year old was clearly far from impressed in the video and Bruno Fernandes later explained after the match that Garnacho did not celebrate as he feels he has lost some of the faith of the fans.

                      TalkSPORT pundit Troy Deeney has already had his say on the issue claiming young players today are too sensitive to criticism and former United captain Roy Keane has also weighed in on the debate.

                      Speaking on Sky Sports’ Stick to Football podcast he backed up Deeney’s perspective that he shouldn’t let the exterior noise bother him.

                      “Whatever about this game, and we know these younger players suffered, but if you can’t celebrate a goal, there’s something drastically wrong with this game.”

                      “Whatever is going on off the pitch for any player, it could be family stuff. When you score a goal, you work all week – you’re playing the game to score a goal. But no criticism should ever affect you celebrating a goal.”

                      Keane claimed that when you score, there should be “nothing else” on your mind and that he should perhaps next time consider the effort many fans have gone to so they can watch their heroes in action.

                      “They’ve got fans who have travelled and paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about, ‘someone’s had a go at me’. People have travelled, you’ve scored a brilliant goal, enjoy it, get upset with people, and he can make his point on social media.”

                      He elaborated on this point by claiming people travel to see goals and sacrifice a lot and concluded that United must be having a tough time if a youngster can’t enjoy hitting the back of the net for them.

                      In typical blunt Keane fashion, he finished his comments on Garnacho by stating, “if a young player can’t enjoy scoring a goal for Man United, do you know what he should do? Get a job somewhere else. If he’s working in a factory, somebody would be giving him stick in the factory.”

                      “There are idiots everywhere, them f—ing idiots everywhere, but my point is, when you score a goal, that’s gone. If he’s going to be upset with that – get a different job.”

                      Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

                      Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.

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