Porto manager Ruben Amorim has expressed cautious optimism regarding Manchester United’s recent developments under Erik ten Hag, even as he acknowledged that the club still faces significant hurdles in its quest for sustained success. In a candid assessment of the Red Devils’ current trajectory, Amorim praised the strides made by Ten Hag and his players while emphasizing the long road ahead for one of football’s most storied clubs.
The Portuguese tactician, renowned for his meticulous approach and ability to turn Porto into a consistent powerhouse in Europe, offered his perspective after being asked about Manchester United during a media appearance. His comments come at a pivotal moment for the English giants, who have shown glimpses of promise this season but remain inconsistent against top-tier opposition. Despite these fluctuations, Amorim believes there is reason for hope.
“Manchester United are making progress,” Amorim stated firmly. “You can see it in their performances—their intensity, their pressing game, and the way they’re trying to impose themselves on opponents. But let’s not kid ourselves; there’s still a very long way to go if they want to compete consistently with the best teams in Europe.”
Amorim’s analysis reflects a growing consensus among observers: Manchester United under Ten Hag is gradually moving in the right direction, though major challenges persist. The Dutch coach inherited a squad laden with talent but lacking cohesion and clarity, and his task has been monumental. From instilling a high-pressing philosophy to addressing defensive vulnerabilities, Ten Hag has sought to reshape the identity of a team that had grown complacent over the past few seasons.
One area where progress is evident is the team’s work ethic and mental toughness. Under Ten Hag, Manchester United have displayed an unrelenting desire to win back possession and dominate games, qualities that were often missing during previous managerial regimes. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro have embraced the new ethos, driving the team forward with relentless energy.
Rashford, in particular, has emerged as a key figure under Ten Hag, rediscovering the form that once made him one of England’s brightest young talents. His resurgence coincides with the arrival of Christian Eriksen, whose vision and creativity have added another dimension to the midfield, while Lisandro Martínez has brought much-needed stability to the defense. These additions suggest that United are finally building a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.
However, Amorim cautioned against overstating the club’s achievements thus far. “It’s important to remember that rebuilding a team like Manchester United doesn’t happen overnight,” he explained. “They’ve taken some positive steps, but consistency remains a big issue. You can’t just rely on flashes of brilliance; you need to perform week in, week out, especially when facing the top teams.”
Indeed, Manchester United’s results against elite opponents have been mixed. While victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool demonstrated their potential, defeats to Arsenal and Manchester City highlighted lingering flaws. Against Pep Guardiola’s side, in particular, United struggled to cope with the intricate passing patterns and positional play that define City’s style. Such matches underscore the gap between United and the Premier League’s upper echelon.
For Amorim, closing this gap requires more than tactical adjustments or individual brilliance. It demands structural changes across the board, from recruitment strategies to youth development programs. He pointed to Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain as examples of clubs that have successfully built sustainable winning cultures through careful planning and investment.
“They [Manchester United] need to focus on creating a culture of excellence,” Amorim continued. “That means having clear objectives, investing in infrastructure, and nurturing young talent alongside experienced professionals. It also means being patient and allowing the process to unfold naturally.”
Patience, however, is a luxury that many fans may struggle to afford. After years of mediocrity following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, supporters crave immediate success and are quick to criticize perceived shortcomings. This pressure weighs heavily on Ten Hag and his players, who must navigate expectations without losing sight of long-term goals.
Amorim sympathized with the challenge faced by the United boss. “Erik ten Hag is doing a good job given the circumstances,” he said. “He’s brought discipline and structure to the team, which was desperately needed. But managing a club like Manchester United comes with immense pressure, and you have to be mentally strong to handle it.”
The former Sporting Lisbon manager drew parallels between Ten Hag’s situation and his own experiences at Porto. When he first arrived at the Dragão Stadium, the team was struggling to maintain its dominance in Portugal and Europe. Through rigorous training methods, tactical innovation, and a focus on player development, Amorim revitalized Porto, guiding them to multiple league titles and Champions League knockout stages.
“I understand what it’s like to take over a club with such rich history and tradition,” Amorim reflected. “There’s always scrutiny, whether you win or lose. What matters is staying true to your principles and trusting the process.”
As Manchester United prepare for their upcoming fixtures, including crucial encounters in the Premier League and UEFA Europa League, Amorim urged caution against overconfidence. “Every game is a battle, and you can’t afford to underestimate any opponent,” he warned. “Even smaller teams can cause problems if you’re not focused.”
Looking ahead, Amorim believes that Manchester United’s ultimate success will depend on their ability to integrate new signings seamlessly into the existing framework. The summer transfer window saw several high-profile arrivals, including Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Antony, but integrating these players into a cohesive unit takes time. Similarly, retaining core figures like Fernandes and Rashford will be vital for maintaining continuity.
Ultimately, Amorim’s message to Manchester United is one of encouragement tempered by realism. “They’re heading in the right direction, but the journey is far from complete,” he concluded. “If they stay committed to their plan and keep working hard, I believe they can achieve great things. But they must remain humble and recognize that there’s still much work to be done.”
For now, the signs are encouraging. Under Ten Hag’s guidance, Manchester United appear to be regaining their edge, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and ambition. Yet, as Amorim reminds us, the path to greatness is rarely straightforward. With challenges aplenty lying ahead, the Red Devils must continue to evolve if they wish to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite.
