Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and described the "nice challenge” ahead for the Portuguese in his new job. The Gunners boss admires the young Portuguese for his commendable work at Sporting CP.
Amorim won four trophies in four years, including two league titles in the Liga Nos. He broke Sporting's almost 20-year title drought and cemented his name as one of the best managers in the club’s history. He achieved all this just at the tender age of 39. Now it’s a different ball game for Amorim as Arteta describes how big of a challenge his next job is, managing one of the most iconic football clubs in the world. The Spaniard wishes the best for his future at Old Trafford.
Mikel Arteta hails Ruben Amorim's appointment at Manchester United
Arteta told reporters (via GOAL):
"Amorim is an excellent coach, with a special career, who achieved something historic at Sporting, especially in terms of form. He has a very nice challenge ahead of him at one of the most important clubs in the world and I hope it goes well for him."
Amorim's first game in the dugout for Manchester United didn’t go as planned. Marcus Rashford scored inside two minutes against Ipswich Town thanks to a brilliant mazy run by Amad Diallo, who was deployed as a right wing-back. He slotted an inch-perfect cross to Rashford, who couldn’t miss it, but their lead was cut short after a while by a deflected effort by Omari Hutchinson, which resulted in a 1-1 stalemate.
Ipswich Town also enjoyed a better xG at around 1.75, while Amorim’s Red Devils had just 0.89 in two halves of football. Amorim's frustration with how things were going on the pitch was evident down the touchline as he sometimes screamed at his players.
Despite not getting a win, he did bring a new formation to the team, which could eventually work in both his and the club’s favor in the long run. He is wasting no time at United as the same three-at-the-back system he implemented at Sporting was how his United were operating as well, straight away from the debut as head coach.
Arteta's Arsenal handed Sporting their first loss of the season on Tuesday (November 26) with 4-1 away win. It was the first game in the Champions League for the Liga Portugal giants since Amorim's departure to Old Trafford.
Amorim will be handed one of the biggest tests yet as United's new head coach. On December 4th, he’ll face the same manager who was full of praise for him, Arteta. Before the big clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, they will face Bodo/Glimtand Everton in the Europa League and Premier League, respectively.