New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has ruled out seeking guidance from Sir Alex Ferguson, the club's legendary former manager. Although the successful Scot's shadow looms large at Old Trafford, Amorim has yet to meet him and is determined to make his own mark.
The young Portuguese coach acknowledges that Ferguson's presence still resonates but insists on charting his own course to revive the club's fortunes.
Amorim recognises the heightened challenge of competing with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who recently secured his services until 2027, for years to come.
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Yet, he staunchly believes in forging a path rooted in the present rather than relying on past methodologies like Ferguson's era of dominance.
In discussing his philosophy, Amorim disclosed, "No, not yet. I didn’t have that opportunity. It’s hard to copy someone, so I have to be me.
"This is a club that needs and has to win, so we have to show that to our players. But it’s a different time. I cannot be the same guy that Sir Alex Ferguson was.
"It’s a different time and I have to have a different approach - but I can also be demanding with a different approach and that is my focus."
Despite taking over a team that hasn't clinched the Premier League title since Ferguson's departure in 2013, Amorim is undeterred by the challenge ahead.
On his first day, he would have noted City's eight-point lead despite their most turbulent period under Guardiola, losing five consecutive matches in all competitions.
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One of those came against Amorim's Sporting - a 4-1 Champions League rout - but the 39-year-old is convinced that Guardiola's extended stay in Manchester is bad news for the Premier League.
He added: "I think it [Guardiola signing a new contract] is a problem for everyone here. But we have so much to do ourselves that we can't focus on anyone else.
"We just have to focus on our club, improving our club and not focusing on the other clubs - so let's focus on Manchester United.
"It's amazing, if you can beat that team (City) then it's a good sign but, like I said, let's focus on Manchester United."
His debut match as United head coach will see him face Ipswich Town and Kieran McKenna, a former member of the backroom staff at Old Trafford.
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Despite arriving midway through a disappointing season, Amorim acknowledges the steep learning curve ahead and the need for swift results to honour Ferguson's legacy.
"It’s so much harder to come to a team in the middle of a season because you have to know the players during the games," Amorim explained.
"You’re talking about no national-team periods to work with the players, so it’s just about games. If you are winning, it’s a lot of fun having a lot of games and trying to make some changes tactically."
"But if you’re losing, you don’t have the time in training to work out everything you want to work.
"I think where we can improve a team is in training. This is the most important aspect, but it is really hard to do it using video or in recovery training. We will find ways to try to cope."
