Merson worries about Amorim's media challenges at Manchester United
- Ruben Amorim faced his first defeat as Manchester United's head coach against Arsenal.
- The match highlighted Manchester United's struggles with defending set pieces and contributing factors in their overall performance.
- Amorim aims to focus on team unity and respecting players over personal fanfare, while navigating challenges in the transfer market.
In a challenging start to his managerial career at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim experienced his first defeat in charge against Arsenal. This match was marked by significant contributions from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both scoring from set pieces. Amorim acknowledged that Arsenal's wingers exploited opportunities well, highlighting a need for United to improve in defending set pieces. Prior to this loss, United had a mixed bag of results under Amorim, including a draw against Ipswich and a win in the Europa League. Despite the defeat, Amorim remains focused on building a strong connection with his players and establishing his tactical philosophy. He has expressed discomfort with the fanfare surrounding him, particularly their new chant, as he believes the focus should be on the players rather than on him. Amorim emphasized the importance of team unity and results to maintain the supporters' trust and enthusiasm. The situation is compounded by challenges in the transfer market, as United has opened talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, a player Amorim previously managed. However, the potential move faces competition from Manchester City, making it a difficult negotiation for the club. With the Premier League season underway, Amorim needs to balance improving team performance with the pressures of high expectations from both fans and management. As he navigates these challenges, Amorim's adaptation to the media responsibilities at such a prestigious club has also come under scrutiny. Some pundits have raised concerns about whether he can handle the intense scrutiny of English football media compared to his experience in Portugal. The combination of these factors puts Amorim in a precarious position as he aims to stabilize the team and restore Manchester United's glory on the pitch.