Ruben Amorim manages to avoid detection on a stroll through Manchester city centre with four of his coaches as new United boss settles in ahead of his first game next weekend
Ruben Amorim has been spotted taking a stroll around Manchester as the incoming Man United boss continues to get acquainted with his new surroundings.
After four-and-a-half glittering years at Sporting Clube de Portugal, Amorim was announced as United’s new head coach last month following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
The 39-year-old is tasked with reversing what has been a dismal start to the campaign for the club, after the Dutchman led them to their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped in as interim boss following his compatriot’s dismissal and restored some morale by maintaining an unbeaten record over four games in all competitions during his brief run.
However, the club legend has since departed Old Trafford for a second time as Amorim looks to make his stamp on the team.
United currently sit closer to the relegation zone than league leaders and bitter rivals Liverpool, despite yet another summer of investment with more than £180million spent on bolstering the ranks during the transfer window.
Ruben Amorim (second right) has been spotted taking a walk through Manchester with his coaching staff
The incoming Manchester United boss donned a white hoodie as he familiarised himself with his new surroundings
The 39-year-old managed to avoid being spotted as he wandered through the city centre
Amorim was snapped walking the city centre streets of his new home alongside four members of his coaching staff; Carlos Fernandes, Jorge Vital, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro.
On Saturday United confirmed the quartet will be joining Amorim’s backroom staff at Old Trafford, with sports scientist Paulo Barreira, who was not present for the group stroll, also named.
The former Benfica and Braga star has maintained a tight-knit group of backroom staff ever since transitioning into a role in the dugout.
Fernandes and Candido have worked alongside Amorim at every senior management role he has taken on, dating back to his time at Portuguese third division side Casa Pia.
At just 29-years-old, Fernandes will be one of the youngest coaches in the Premier League, but Amorim has no doubts about his assistant’s ability.
‘My No 2 is Carlos Fernandes, he’s been my right-hand man right from day one. He’ll be a much better coach than me,’ Amorim once said.
‘I often say if I become Bobby Robson, then he’ll be my Jose Mourinho!’
On Friday, Amorim gave his first interview since being named the club’s boss, and insisted that it may take time for his players to adapt to his footballing philosophy.
Amorim (middle) is bringing five members of his coaching staff to Manchester United
The former Sporting Lisbon boss will be joined by his long-time assistant Carlos Fernandes in the dugout
Amorim emphasised the need to instill his philosophy in his first interview as United manager
He is tasked with revitalising the club after they slumped to their worst-ever Premier League start
‘We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games,’ he said.
‘But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that [players] are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind.
‘They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That’s the goal.’
He added: ‘The most important thing for me is identity. So since day one we will start with our identity.
‘Of course we are going to prepare the games, but we will focus a lot in our game model. How to play, how to press, these small things, small details.
‘You cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.’
His first assignment after the international break sees United take on an Ipswich side next Sunday that have scored as many Premier League goals as United this season despite sitting just outside the relegation zone.
