Changing Manchester United's Mentality Turns Out Not That Easy

Ruben Amorim needs time to change the mentality of Manchester United (Instagram/@manchesterunited).

JAKARTA - For 81 seconds, everything seemed so easy for Ruben Amorym in the away match against Ipswich Town, November 24, 2024.

In his first game as Manchester United Manager, Marcus Rashford, a player who has become a manifestation of the club's troubled past, has scored in two minutes to start the game brilliantly.

Kemudian kenyataan menganut. Amorim menyadari betapa sulit pekerjaan sebagai pelatih Manchester United setelah hasil per draw 1-1.

The match, which started very well for the sixth person who was tasked with re-creating Sir Alex Ferguson's heyday at Old Traford, was filled with anger.

The high-pitched atmosphere ordered Joshua Zirkzee, the striker who was put in the second half, to enter the Ipswich penalty box and pose a threat of attack rather than leisurely walking.

At that stage, the Red Devils had lost their lead following Omari Hutchinson's stunning equalizer in the 43rd minute.

Kieran McKenna's Ipswich have taken the lead several times, but were thwarted twice by Andre Onana's crucial save.

Amory wants threats to the opponent's defense, while Zirkzee moves as if he is walking casually on the beach.

This condition summarizes the problems that must be overcome by Amoram, who was recruited from the Portuguese champions Sporting CP.

"He has a lot of problems to deal with, but when an attacker needs to be told that he should try to score a winning goal in extra time, it shows a deep bad feeling at Old Trafford."

Amorism body language at the end of the draw also tells a story that just one point is not enough.

The 39-year-old's number of coaches waved forward and scolded them for passing the ball back in the final minutes of the match underscored his determination to win.

Amorism used to it in Sporting, where he ended the club's two-decade wait to win a domestic title with two league titles in three years.

However, it took time to change the mentality at Manchester United and eliminate fears and fears that could not be eliminated by his predecessor, Erik ten Hag.

"I think my players think too much. The players are too fixated, think where should I be?"

"We will work and with more time, they will become clearer," Amorism said after the game.

Amorism personality and confidence will spread to its players, sooner or later. The best of them will start playing with greater freedom and confidence.

Despite the inconclusive performance against Ipswich failing to win in his debut match, it may have helped him keep expectations at a realistic level.

You see, make no mistake, he has a big challenge ahead of him to turn Manchester United around.

He was greeted with a banner of supporters at Portman Road which read "Good luck Ruben Amorati-Create Our Team Again Great".

After pledging to stick to its principles, Amoram started with a 3-4-2-1 formation that brought success in Sporting.

However, he had to place wing-back Noussair Mazraoui at three-backs with Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans due to injuries suffered by center-back Leandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Leny Yoro.

The selection of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, both 32 years old, in midfield is an example of a lack of choice. The reason is, Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo are not considered fit enough to start.

This made the team short of energy and core power, a problem that Ten Hag repeatedly failed to overcome.

This situation allowed Ipswich to stay in the Manchester United defense area. Therefore, the three attackers became ineffective, apart from Rashford's initial goal.

The big positive thing about the match against Ipswich is that the players at least seem to know what they expect in terms of position and responsibility.

However, the old problem has been very deep and will never be repaired with just a few days on the training ground.

"I think we should understand and think and be pragmatic that these people have two to three days to train to change so many things."

"It's hard for the players in three days to get around everything. I know this makes the fans frustrated."

"However, we have changed a lot at the moment with a lot of games. We will suffer for a long time."

"We will try to win the game, but it will take time," said Amorim.

Amoram tried to influence the game from the bench, making five substitutions in the second half.

In addition to attracting Casemiro, Eriksen, and Evans who are exhausted and inject a little younger energy, the change doesn't make much difference.

Amorism shouldn't be surprised by that. He would have known that the squad that Ten Hag inherited was not designed to fit into the system.

He has admitted that his players need to be better physically. Amoram and his coaching team can make them fitter and some players will evolve to be able to play in the system, but it will take some time.

Forget the sweet start for 81 seconds. The real Manchester United and need to change came after that.