Amorim: “We Need to Have More Long Possession When We Win the Ball”
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Amorim Wants Manchester United to Dominate Possession After Ball Recovery
As Manchester United continue their pre-season tour ahead of next month’s Premier League curtain-raiser against Arsenal, head coach Rúben Amorim is keeping his cards close to his chest, particularly regarding his starting XI
But if one thing is clear from the Reds’ recent 2-1 win over West Ham United in the Premier League Summer Series in New Jersey, it’s that Amorim wants his side to evolve, and fast.
At the MetLife Stadium, United looked sharper, more composed, and at times, much closer to Amorim’s footballing vision.
Yet, the Portuguese tactician isn’t one to get carried away. Yes, there were positives, Bruno Fernandes’ brace, high pressing that paid off, and some eye-catching link-up play, but Amorim’s post-match comments revealed that he’s far from satisfied.
"We had some possession, we defend well, one against one, we press high," Amorim told reporters as the club's official site worded. "But I think we need to have more long possession when we win the ball, so that we are near the box and try to find the small spaces."
That insight speaks volumes about the manager’s intentions. It's not just about winning the ball back; it’s about what happens after. Amorim is demanding patience, precision, and the kind of composed control that keeps opponents pinned in their own half.
A Work in Progress, but a Promising One
Amorim acknowledged that United’s early goal against the Hammers helped shift the momentum, a contrast to last season’s frustrating pattern of conceding first. But the second half, which saw a wave of young talent introduced, came with its own set of growing pains.
"Until the West Ham goal, we were controlling the game, with more opportunities," he said. "Then we suffered a little bit... But it was a good test to improve the team."
Amorim was quick to praise individual performances without singling out too many names. One player who did earn a mention, however, was Rasmus Højlund. The young forward’s tireless work rate and clever movement left a strong impression.
"I really liked Rasmus’s game, the runs and the way he fought... he connected with the teammates so he did a great job."
And in midfield, the duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte earned praise for their composure and control, even if the second-half changes brought a more disjointed display.
Teaching, Not Just Tactics
For Amorim, coaching in the modern game goes beyond chalkboard formations. As he explained, unpredictability is now the norm, and players must adapt quickly to evolving situations.
"We need to not just prepare for the games but teach the game to the players... you cannot control it like in the past."
Midfielders dropping deep, defenders stepping into playmaking roles, it’s all part of the landscape now, and Amorim is keen on ensuring United can match that complexity with clarity of their own.
Bruno: The Leader and the Lightning Rod
Captain Bruno Fernandes continues to be a driving force, but Amorim knows that passion must be channelled with care. "He is our leader... sometimes, the problem is he gets frustrated and loses a little bit of focus on his job."
Fernandes’ role remains fluid, though Amorim hinted he’ll be used closer to goal more often this season, especially with the addition of new attacking options like Matheus Cunha and the emergence of Mainoo.
"Last year, I felt sometimes I pushed him back to have more possession... and we missed Bruno near the box."
No Final Decisions Ahead of Arsenal
With the Premier League opener fast approaching, Amorim made it clear he’s still weighing his options. And based on what we’ve seen, several players are in contention to start at the Emirates. "That can change... you saw in the second half, there are players who can play in the first game. It’s not a decision I made already."
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