Ruben Amorim surprised by praise for summer signing.

After a tumultuous 18-month period under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United appears to have finally found its footing under the management of Michael Carrick. The Red Devils, who were mired in concerning statistics, such as only 15 wins in the Premier League and a winning streak that never exceeded three games, are now breathing new life. Carrick not only broke this disastrous cycle but also led the team to four consecutive victories upon his arrival and an impressive five-match unbeaten run.

This revival of the club, which has already accumulated enough points to reach fourth place, just five behind Aston Villa, is a testament to the transformation Carrick has brought to the atmosphere at Old Trafford. Among the players who have benefited from this change is Kobbie Mainoo, who has thrived under the new management. However, even with the new era underway, Matheus Cunha, one of the summer signings, did not hesitate to credit Amorim during a conversation with DAZN. The Brazilian stated, “I am very grateful for everything Ruben did.”

Cunha added that, despite the difficulties, it is easy to look back negatively when changes occur. “But it is exactly the opposite; he was an incredible person. Many new players came because of him, so a large part of the good moment we are experiencing is also due to him.” Here lies a surprising revelation: the positive influence of Amorim, even after his departure, is recognized and valued by those who played under his leadership.

However, the criticism of Amorim has remained constant. His insistence on the 3-4-3 formation, which did not suit the club’s style, led to many players, including Bruno Fernandes, being played out of position. Cunha acknowledged that the team was so focused on the demands of that tactic that they forgot to carry out the most basic tasks. “The pressure for that tactic to work was so great that we forgot how simple the overall context was and focused too much on the negative,” the player stated.

Furthermore, Cunha raised the issue that statistics in football can be misleading. “We attack in different ways. We end up defending with the formation that everyone says is Ruben’s.” It is undeniable that Amorim made necessary changes, eliminating problematic stars and securing a successful summer transfer window, but the results have not matched the intentions. His win rate speaks for itself, and Matheus Cunha’s positive words, while noteworthy, cannot hide the shortcomings that marked his time at the club.

Thus, while Manchester United moves forward under Carrick’s leadership, the question remains: to what extent will Amorim’s shadow continue to loom over the Red Devils? The answer to this question could shape the club’s future in more than one dimension.