United legend tells Amorim he must replicate this key Sir Alex masterstroke if he is to thrive at the club

Manchester United legend Norman Whiteside has revealed the Sir Alex Ferguson trick that Ruben Amorim must urgently emulate if he is to be successful at the club. United turn things around After a patchy start to the season, United finally appear to have turned a corner under Amorim. Currently on a five-game unbeaten streak, United are building some momentum as they aim to finish within the Champions League places. With a favourable run of fixtures coming up after the November international break, there is every chance that United could finish the campaign strongly. Central to United’s revived fortunes has been their form at Old Trafford. The Red Devils boast a 100% home record since the unlucky opening day defeat to Arsenal. Ahead of Monday’s meeting with Everton, Whiteside spoke to club media and revealed that United’s success was built on one key foundation: Old Trafford being an absolute fortress. He explained that this was at the very heart of United’s strategy that visiting teams often celebrated escaping the Theatre of Dreams with just a single point. Whiteside makes point to Amorim Whiteside, who departed United for Everton in 1986 shortly after Sir Alex’s arrival, said, “I do the hospitality on matchdays, I’ve been doing that for 30-odd years now, and I would always give my two pennies’ worth before the games. I used to say Old Trafford was a fortress and this would be 2-0 or 3-0 but I always said nil!” “But the last few years, you know, we’re giving goals away, which isn’t what we were used to. So I would say 2-1 or 3-2 and, when you start giving the other team a goal start, it’s not quite the same fortress we used to have. But slowly, slowly, they are starting to do okay.” “I think people are coming to Old Trafford not afraid. That is the thing, certainly with Fergie’s teams, he wanted to build it up so teams should be terrified coming to Old Trafford.” “It doesn’t matter who it is. Whether it’s Liverpool, [Manchester] City, Everton, Chelsea. It doesn’t matter. They always thought they were coming here and would be happy with a point, that sort of thing.” “But we’ve started a couple of seasons lately, being beaten in the opening games at Old Trafford, and it has to be a bit more locked up to get to the back old fortress idea.” Whiteside noted that alongside United, Everton are the other club he holds close to his heart. United vs. Everton kicks off at 8pm. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!