The Winners and Losers of Ruben Amorim’s Reign So Far.

Author: Liam Lacey, Last Updated: 18.12.2024

Ruben Amorim cannot be accused of easing his way into his new job as Manchester United Head Coach. The Portuguese coach’s career as Manchester United Head Coach may have gotten off to a mixed start on the field, with 4 wins, including a Manchester Derby win over Manchester City, 2 losses and 1 draw, but there can be no doubt that the former Sporting boss is certainly making his presence felt at Old Trafford.

His big call to leave out Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the derby was rewarded with a vital win over their closest rivals, and as the former Portugal international looks forward to his first Festive period as a Premier League coach, we look at some of the players that have made an early impact under Amorim, and those that may already be fighting for their futures.

The Winners So Far under Amorim

Amad Diallo

Amad’s performances so far under Amorim are really making former manager Erik Ten Hag’s decision to sparingly use the 22-year-old even more baffling. Since Amorim’s arrival Diallo has contributed 4 assists and 1 goal, playing at both wingback and as an attacking midfielder. He won the penalty that brought United level against City, before delivering a majestic piece of skill to earn his team all 3 points against Pep Guardiola’s team and has featured in all 7 of Amorim’s games in charge. This marks him down as the early success story of the new Head Coach’s time in charge at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire

Such has been the level of Maguire’s performances since Ruben Amorim’s arrival the England defender is now rumoured to be on the cusp of signing a new contract to extend his stay at the club past the summer of 2025. Maguire has stood out in United’s two big away matches under Amorim at Arsenal and City, producing the type of form that he used to consistently show at the heart of England’s back 3 during their World Cup and European Championship runs under Gareth Southgate.

Rasmus Hojlund

Given the form that former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres showed during his time working with Amorim in Lisbon the big question for United fans was whether he could have a similar impact on the trajectory of Rasmus Hojlund’s United career. The early indications are that the new boss is certainly affecting the form of the young Danish centre forward. Hojlund has hit 5 goals in 6 appearances under Amorim and looks likely to play a leading role for United, at least for this season anyway.

Who is Under Pressure?

Marcus Rashford

Rashford looks as likely to leave Manchester United as he ever has done after his Manchester derby omission and his comments about needing a new challenge this week. The England international has appeared fleetingly under Amorim with his two goals against Everton the highlight so far. His form has dipped again since however, and it now appears as if the writing is on the wall for Rashford’s time at Old Trafford. A split may be the best outcome for both parties at this stage, with Rashford getting that new challenge he craves and Amorim able to move forward with players he trusts.

Alejandro Garnacho

Before Amorim’s appointment the big question was where Garnacho would fit in the manager’s preferred system. Some thought as one of the wing backs, while for others his positioning as one of the attacking players seemed a perfect fit. In truth, he has failed in both so far. His omission from the derby may have been the first time he had not featured for the new boss, but he has not exactly set the world alight when he has played. Given that the manager has preferred to use more creative players on either side of the striker to date, Garnacho may have a job to do to push himself back up the pecking order as the season develops.

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