Ruben Amorim body language analysed: The three powerful traits that will get Man United stars on side, but be warned of these red flags

Ruben Amorim is officially in the Manchester United hot seat and is now just a matter of hours away from his first game in charge of the club away to Ipswich Town on Sunday.

On Friday, he spoke to the media for the first time as he sat down to preview Sunday, and has discussed how he intends to ‘change the standards’ at the club in a bid to finally move them forwards.

The 39-year-old spoke well, but all eyes will be on him when he takes to the dugout for the first time this weekend, with United down in 13th in the Premier League table and in need of major improvement.

But what was he really thinking? Is the Portuguese the person that can finally improve United’s fortunes, help them kick on and bring the feel good factor back to Old Trafford?

Quite possibly. But there are also things to watch out for, that suggest there is still a long way to go and that Amorim could be thinking more than he is willing to let on. 

Body language expert Judi James has told Mail Sport what he made of Amorim’s first press conference with the Red Devils.

The Portuguese spoke to the media ahead of his first game in charge this weekend on Friday

A body language expert has explained three powerful traits, but also highlighted red flags

‘Amorim creates a very appealing sight-bite,’ James exclusively said. ‘His projected image is one of charisma, good-humour, fun and enthusiasm. His body language rates highly in terms of perceived likeability traits.

‘An analysis of these three powerful traits is as simple as he claims his theory of play is. He has an appealing eye-smile that will also turn into laser-like, active listening signals when he is asked questions.

‘His mouth-smile is equally appealing. With his chin lowered he looks happy and uncomplicated, just the man to come and inspire a troubled club. His smile is contagious. He should have the team grinning again before he has even opened his mouth.

‘Plus, he doesn’t have the haunted look of other managers and he looks comfortable and eager to communicate, rather than cagey and reluctant.’

There are reasons to be optimistic for United fans. Having struggled ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, they once again have new hope in the form of their latest boss.

But things are unlikely to completely turnaround straight away. There has been plenty of talk of a back three, or a bubbly personality, but there are issues behind the scenes that need addressing. 

‘I would be obliged to point out that his body language, if he were at a job interview, would be considered to be throwing up some red flags,’ James added. ‘His gesticulation is frequently incongruent, meaning it is in contrast to his verbal messages, creating an impression of self heckling.

‘When he listens, he uses the engaging eye smile, and his mouth falls open slightly to suggest keenness and openness. But as he primes himself to reply, he turns his head to the side as well as his gaze. This could be down to translation issues. He could be looking away to focus on his English. But it looks evasive.

He smile is rated as ‘appealing’, while ‘he doesn’t have the haunted look of other managers’

His body language, however, was adjudged to ‘throw up some red flags’ to be aware of

Though some of his body language could be down to language issues, is could be ‘evasive’

‘When he is asked what gives him the belief he is the person to improve United’s fortunes, he begins to scratch his wrist in an act of distraction, looking away to say “I believe in myself” and then wringing his hands, cracking his knuckles and meshing his fingers in a display of what looks like inner anxiety, and rubbing his thumbs on his fingers in a self-comfort ritual.

‘When he speaks about the players his words sound encouraging and reassuring. “I truly believe in the players” is his verbal reply, but his non-verbal signals hint they should not be feeling too relieved just yet.’

United are thought to be ready to improve the squad in January to help Amorim, though it remains to be seen how strongly given they spent big on players for former manager Erik ten Hag in the summer.

It also remains to be seen who Amorim will prefer in his first-choice XI, having worked with some players over the international break and others returning later.

Fans therefore may have to wait to see who is involved in the Portuguese’s preferred team as he settles into life in Manchester.

‘His mouth hikes up at the right side in a grimace and that grimace is repeated when he is asked his first impressions of the squad,’ James added. ‘There is a thumb-shrug and when he adds “there is room to improve”, he cracks his knuckles again in a ritual that suggests he might be more exacting and firmer than he sounds. His verbal stutters increase when he says “I truly believe we will succeed”.

‘He also has a verbal trait of disassociation when he refers to “You feel” or “You have’ rather than “I”, which suggests some current distancing although, again, this might be a language trait.

‘Overall, he looks like a man whose team you would want to be on. But his subtler body language traits suggest there might be some confused head-scratching involved when you get there.’ 

The new United boss spoke of raising the standards at the club following international break

Casemiro (pictured) and Marcus Rashford were among those to jet off during last fortnight

Overall, Amorim was adjudged to be ‘a man whose team you would want to be on’ at United

Amorim was questioned over the standards at United after the likes of Marcus Rashford and Casemiro jetted off for glitzy getaways during the international break.

Speaking on the incident, Amorim told Gary Neville on Sky: ‘Nobody in the club said they cannot fly. They have to live their lives because they are grown men and they have to decide these things. Us as a club have to change in these standards.’

Both Rashford and Casemiro have been bit-part players this season after disappointing 2023-24 campaigns, but could kick on under Amorim.

The game against Ipswich will be held at Portman Road and kick off at 4:30pm GMT on Sunday.