Ruben Amorim has asserted his desire for intensity at the start of his reign as Manchester United head coach, according to reports. The 39-year-old's requisition is said to spell the end for Christian Eriksen at the end of the season, despite his mini-renaissance in recent months.
Amorim faces an onerous task to instil a drastically different philosophy into United's underperforming players after Erik ten Hag's two-and-a-half-year tenure.
He has staunchly hinted at his plans to transfer his favoured 3-4-3 formation over from Sporting, which would demand another level of tactical nous from the squad he has inherited at Carrington.
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Amorim can only oversee training sessions once securing his work permit, which is expected to arrive in the coming days.
But he got down to business in Manchester on Monday, a day after his final Sporting outing, a 4-2 win at his former club Braga to maintain a perfect Primeira Liga record.
The Portuguese tactician was beaming as he met United's chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox at Carrington.
He is conducting several low-key meetings at the club's training base throughout his first week while most of his players are away on international duty.
And Amorim has reportedly emphasised the word "intensity" when discussing the attitude he wants to build at United by developing his current squad and recruiting new arrivals.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are set to target high-energy players in Amorim's first couple of transfer windows.
He requires players capable of prospering as part of his demanding three-at-the-back formation, and it's claimed "intensity" has been a crucial word at the dawn of his era.
The report adds that Eriksen is unlikely to remain at United under Amorim's stewardship ahead of his contract expiry at the end of the season.
And players of the same ilk - on the wrong side of 30 or slower-paced - are expected to be left behind as part of the club's new direction.
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Eriksen has notched up four goals and three assists in nine starts this season, having scored just three times across his first two campaigns at Old Trafford.
Just last month, Ten Hag explained he was "very happy" with the 32-year-old playmaker's contributions, particularly his blooming partnership with Kobbie Mainoo.
He said: "It's clear he has had a good season so far, he's important for the team with his contribution in linking key passes, being creative, composed and calm."
United look primed to return to the transfer market as early as January as Amorim sets out to overturn fortunes and make his maiden season a success.
