Ruben Amorim gives clear orders on lingering problem from Ten Hag era | OneFootball

The Manchester United team Ruben Amorim picked against Arsenal on Sunday, saw the head coach keep plenty of his big-hitters on the bench.

Amad did not start, nor did new signing Benjamin Sesko, despite the Portuguese hinting that the Slovenian was fit enough.

Both came on in the second-half, with the Ivorian adding cutting-edge down the right flank, something Diogo Dalot failed to add.

Last season, when players were left on the bench, they often expressed their frustration in public, as Alejandro Garnacho did after the Europa League final.

Substitutes were usually unhappy under EtH

In fact, this has been a problem since Erik ten Hag’s tenure, and as per Givemesport, the Portuguese tactician is keen to change this mentality across the squad.

He has made it clear to his players that he will not tolerate sulking when named on the bench, as he is eager to see his players embrace the idea of being a game-changer.

“Ruben Amorim is continuing to change the culture at Manchester United, making it clear to his players that he does not believe in a fixed “starting XI”. Instead, he has a team.

“Sources have told GMS that the Red Devils boss has already laid out his philosophy at Carrington, stressing that selection will not simply come down to who begins a match, but also who can finish it.

“Amorim has explained that some of his key decisions at Manchester United will be based on the final 30 minutes rather than the starting whistle, underlining his belief that games are often won and lost in that spell.

Amorim demands change in mentality

“The Portuguese tactician is understood to view the bench as a decisive factor this season. He has urged his players to abandon the culture of frustration that emerged under predecessor Erik ten Hag, when those omitted from the line-up were often left disillusioned.

“Amorim has warned that sulking will not be tolerated. Instead, he wants substitutes to see themselves as game-changers and embrace the responsibility of being the difference when called upon.”

This was also the belief that the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson fostered at the club, with former manager and Treble winner Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being the best example of that spirit.

United never gave up, and substitutes always believed that they had it in them to change the outcome of a match. In the process, they wanted to impress the boss so that they could start in the next game.

If this cultural reset works, it could go a long way in determining where the club finishes this season.

Amorim needs all hands on deck after the disappointment of last season, and the overpaid, underperforming stars must answer if they are to stay at Old Trafford..

Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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