Ten Hag and Amorim are the exact opposites of each other

Erik ten Hag’s departure from Manchester United marked the end of a turbulent chapter, but the transition to Rúben Amorim’s leadership has not yet delivered the turnaround many had hoped for.

While Amorim is a highly regarded coach with a distinct tactical philosophy, the immediate results have done little to lift the club out of its struggles. Harry Maguire, one of the team’s senior players, has spoken candidly about the challenges of adapting to a completely different style of play and the time needed for the squad to adjust.

"The problem with the managers and their styles is that they don’t have a comparable approach," Maguire explained in an interview with Sky Sports. "They are the opposite in what they want and demand. So, the transition period will be tough." The shift from Ten Hag’s disciplined, possession-based system to Amorim’s dynamic, flexible approach has not been seamless. Maguire highlighted the difficulties of unlearning one system while trying to implement another, particularly in the middle of an already challenging season.

Despite the growing pains, Maguire expressed optimism about Amorim’s long-term vision. "We all have great confidence in the manager and his staff. I’m sure things will work out. He knows exactly what needs to be done to bring this club back." This confidence is echoed by other members of the squad, who see Amorim’s demanding nature and tactical acumen as essential components for building a stronger and more competitive team. However, as Maguire acknowledged, the immediate focus is on stabilizing results rather than setting ambitious goals.

The defender also praised Amorim’s early efforts, emphasizing the manager’s work ethic and expectations. "He has come in and done everything he needed to do. He is really demanding. We want to win games and make our supporters happy because, so far, this season hasn’t been good enough. That’s frustrating."

Manchester United’s struggles this season have been a source of frustration for fans and players alike. The team finds itself far from the top of the Premier League table, and the performances on the pitch have often been inconsistent. Maguire acknowledged that the team is not yet where it needs to be, both in terms of results and cohesion. "We’re just doing everything we can to climb higher," he said. "Right now, we can’t really set a goal because we’re nowhere near good enough yet and nowhere close to where we want to be in the league."

This sense of realism reflects the scale of the challenge facing Amorim. While his arrival has brought a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on tactical innovation, the squad is still grappling with injuries, confidence issues, and the lingering effects of Ten Hag’s departure. Amorim’s style demands quick decision-making, positional awareness, and intense pressing qualities that require time to instill in a squad that had grown accustomed to a more methodical approach under Ten Hag.

Off the pitch, Amorim has reportedly been working closely with his coaching staff to address the team’s weaknesses. Training sessions have been described as more intense and focused, with a particular emphasis on defensive organization and transitioning from defense to attack. Players have been receptive to Amorim’s methods, but the results have yet to materialize on match days, leaving both fans and the club’s leadership anxious for progress.

The transition has also raised questions about the club’s broader strategy. Some critics argue that the abrupt shift from Ten Hag’s philosophy to Amorim’s represents a lack of long-term planning. Others believe that Amorim’s appointment is a gamble that could pay off if the club remains patient and gives him the time needed to implement his vision fully.

For Maguire and his teammates, the focus remains on improvement and resilience. "It’s about taking it one game at a time," he said. "We know where we want to be, but getting there won’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and we’re all committed to seeing it through."

The road ahead for Manchester United is undoubtedly challenging. With key fixtures against top-tier opponents looming, the pressure on Amorim and his squad will only intensify. However, if the team can begin to adapt to Amorim’s style and find consistency in their performances, there is hope that this difficult period could serve as the foundation for a brighter future.

For now, the team’s supporters must balance their frustrations with patience, trusting in Amorim’s abilities to steer the club in the right direction. Maguire’s words reflect a squad that, while aware of its shortcomings, is determined to rise to the challenge and restore Manchester United to its former glory.