Opinion: Amorim charms in his press introduction

I certainly wouldn’t describe myself as a hardened hack, working for the club rather than external media since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure.

I’m sure some of those at the Jimmy Murphy Centre on Friday would not dispute that description and it did make me sheepishly squirm when one reporter almost apologised for being old enough to remember Jose Mourinho’s first press conference as Chelsea manager. I’m old enough to remember when Dave Sexton was United boss!

So there may have been a sense for some that an unveiling of a new man is nothing new, but there is no denying that it did feel like something fresh. And, for all the years of experience in the industry within the room, the anticipation was palpable as the time neared for Ruben Amorim to make his grand entrance.

Space was at a premium, partly due to a large Portuguese contingent being present to fulfil our head coach’s promise that he would only be able to answer their questions once his work at Sporting had concluded, and major channels such as BBC and ITV were also well represented.

There were sounds and sights you expect from most press conferences, but these felt heightened, to me at least: the hubbub replaced by hush as Ruben approached; the scrambling towards the desk to leave phones and other recording devices; the flashing and whirring of cameras. The frisson of excitement that met with the first glimpse of Amorim’s broad smile that I hope will continue to be a feature.

His first answer declared that United are even bigger than he thought, a sentiment I would echo after joining the club in 2011. He went on to say he felt happy, comfortable and at home. And he looked it. Clearly unfazed, showing the charisma and personality he displayed at Sporting, it was the most confident of openings.

As a flurry of hands shot up in a bid to ask questions, he answered each individual in an engaging manner and spoke with pretty flawless English. His messages and methodology were clear and concise and it was easy to sense a bigger picture supporting some of his words.

It would be wrong to jump to any early conclusions about developing a siege mentality, but the response to any negativity, something that can feel a common thread, was telling. Amorim will back his players and believe in them, if they are working hard and embracing his ideas.

“I know you guys don’t believe a lot in these players,” he relayed early on in proceedings. He also added in the same answer: “I want to try new things and you guys think it is not possible, I think it is possible and we will see in the end.”

When he was asked if it was an “impossible job”, he laughed. The Portuguese firmly believes he is in the right place at the right time.

I accept, working for the club, it can be easy to get swept away but, personally speaking, the choice of United boss does seem an astute one. Bright and confident, he has already struck the right tone that will ensure he has the full backing of the staff, with genuine optimism from the Reds among us.

It is perfectly understandable that external journalists will take longer to be won over, but the initial response in the room did seem to be an agreement that it was an assured start by Amorim. 

You only have to look at the section with the reporters from his homeland to hopefully get a window into what could lie ahead. After checking with director of media relations and public affairs Andrew Ward, who accompanied him on the front desk, that he could reply in his native tongue, Ruben was in jovial form with those who covered his work at Sporting. One answer on striker Viktor Gyokeres seemed to be met with a perfectly straight bat, even given the language barrier.

As he made his way out of the room, he stopped to shake the hands of his fellow countrymen, maybe apologising for dragging them from Lisbon to a rainy and sleety Manchester!

There was a warmth there that many will hope can be extended to the new relationships with the varied media who cover every move at Manchester United in minute detail. Much will, no doubt, depend on results but, as far as off-the-field impressions go, this has been an impressive introduction.

Perhaps enough for any hardened hack to admit!

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.

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