Ruben Amorim is not particularly taken with the media requirements which come with being Manchester United manager. The Portuguese admitted he is already tired of doing interviews during a post-game Sky Sports chat on Sunday, which was interrupted by Ed Sheeran.
Amorim had just overseen a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road after having only two weeks to drill a new system into his United players. And he wants as much time as possible to continue his early work.
But media demands are already getting in the way. "I want to say this for the last time," he said. "This week, I spoke more than in four years at Sporting.
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"When you speak too much, and you don’t win, it is really hard for everybody. It was one week, and only one week. I spoke with [director of media relations and public affairs] Andrew [Ward] — I just want to work with my players, nothing more, but I understand this is a different game here. So, let’s see."
Amorim may hold out hope that, as the weeks of his United reign tick by, the extent of the media attention will die down. But he would be wise not to bank on it.
If interviews and air time are things the 39-year-old would rather avoid, he is set to be stung by the Premier League's new broadcasting contract, which will come into effect from the start of next season.
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As part of the deal, broadcasters will be given more media access than ever before, including new insights into the dressing room, interviews at half-time and chats with players who have just been substituted.
Amorim could be in for another shock if he is asked to give broadcasters more value than they are already getting. His desire to focus solely on the football may force him to palm off much of that media work to one of his assistant coaches. Carlos Fernandes, his right-hand man, filled in more than once during their time together at Sporting.
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The media frenzy is just one obstacle Amorim must navigate if he is to make a success of his time in the Premier League. He is working with a squad low on confidence and built to fit an alternative system, with his predecessor Erik ten Hag playing a completely different formation.
United's misfiring attackers have been a source of particular concern. And Amorim will be desperate to start bringing the best out of them ahead of upcoming matches against Bodo/Glimt, Everton and Arsenal.
