Manchester United created the better chances and took a deserved lead only to get pegged back and eventually had to settle for a point from their game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The game was a timely reminder that both teams, despite the vast gap on the table, are not too far apart in terms of quality with Ruud van Nistelrooy getting the players to gel better than what was the case under Erik ten Hag.
However, the team’s mentality needs to be fixed, especially their attitude after having taken the lead with this being yet another instance of the hosts allowing a team to equalise.
Incoming manager Ruben Amorim’s biggest task, however, involves trying to get the team to play with more composure and control in the middle of the park and not always follow the former boss’ chaotic direct style of play.
Improved style of play needed
Manuel Ugarte, who struggled to dictate the tempo in the middle of the park against the Blues, spoke to DAZN at the end of the game and highlighted something similar.
“The club needs to start building a path, which is important, and the coach will be key to that,” the Uruguayan said, referring to a proper style of play.
🗣️”A dinâmica e o dia a dia vai tentar ser igual ao Sporting CP”
📲 Manuel Ugarte em exclusivo à DAZN#DAZNPremier pic.twitter.com/YQ0NjSoPJk
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) November 3, 2024
The defensive midfielder has worked under Amorim during his days at Sporting Lisbon and knows all about the Portuguese manager and the way he operates.
He disclosed that the United players had been asking about the Sporting manager and what he would bring to the table. Funnily enough, some players were shocked to find out how young Amorim still is!
“My teammates have asked a lot about him. What surprised them was his age. He’s also very hungry to win and that’s very important. I can tell he’ll enjoy it.”
Ugarte on Amorim
Ugarte also admitted that managing United would be a huge challenge for the 39-year-old but that having played under him, the Uruguay international felt he had the potential to turn things around at Old Trafford.
“I saw that Sporting fans were upset and that’s understandable, because the coach is a great coach. It’s good for United, we have to take advantage of it and get him to convey his ideas as quickly as possible.
“I think it’s going to be a different dynamic and the day-to-day will be similar to Sporting’s. The league, the country, the football… It’s a big challenge for him but we all know he has the ability.”
United’s underperforming stars should not look too far ahead. They need to get their act together ahead of their next Europa League tie against PAOK on Thursday and ensure Van Nistelrooy continues his unbeaten run.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
