I told the board to sign Zinedine Zidane. He could have been the best option. I never wanted Rúben Amorim. I already told Zidane to come and takeover at Manchester United but the board disappointed me”-FANS ARE SHOCKED after what Sir Alex Ferguson said about Ruben Amorim and reveals why he preferred Zinedine Zidane over Rúben Amorim.
Former Manchester United assistant coach Steve Round believes Ruben Amorim has the potential to lead the club forward, but emphasizes the need for patience at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese coach took over from Erik ten Hag last month and has started positively, winning two of his first three games in charge. Most recently, United thrashed Everton 4-0, climbing to ninth in the Premier League standings.
Round, now 54, served as an assistant to David Moyes following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013. Their tenure, however, was cut short, lasting less than a season, with Moyes and his staff dismissed in April 2014.
Reflecting on his time at United during an interview with Footy Accumulators, Round shared insights into why their stint was unsuccessful. He recalled Ferguson’s warning that a squad rebuild was necessary. “Sir Alex said to us before we came in — I remember Dave [Moyes] telling us — that we’d have to rebuild the team over the coming transfer windows, as some players were aging,” Round explained.
“We understood the job would take time, but unfortunately, we didn’t win enough games and weren’t given the time needed. That was the crux of it.”
Since Moyes’ dismissal, United have seen nine managers, including interims, with notable names such as Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer taking the reins.
Amorim, who achieved significant success at Sporting CP with two Portuguese league titles and three domestic cups, has shown promise in his early days at United. Round believes the 39-year-old can help the club progress but insists patience is key.
“He’s going to evolve this system, and it’s going to take time,” Round said. “But I like what I’ve seen from him so far. I think he’ll take Manchester United forward — it’s just a matter of giving him time.”
Steve Round’s insights highlight the challenges of managing Manchester United post-Sir Alex Ferguson and the importance of patience for Ruben Amorim’s tenure. With his promising start, Amorim appears to have the tactical acumen and leadership qualities necessary to guide the club through its latest chapter of transition.
### **Lessons from the Past**
Round’s reflections on the Moyes era underline the difficulty of succeeding Ferguson:
– **Squad Rebuild**: The aging squad Moyes inherited required significant changes, a task that could not be completed during their brief tenure.
– **High Expectations**: The pressure to deliver instant results made long-term planning nearly impossible, leading to Moyes’ early dismissal.
– **Managerial Turnover**: Since Ferguson, United’s frequent managerial changes have hindered stability and the ability to implement lasting strategies.
### **Amorim’s Early Impact**
Ruben Amorim’s start at United shows promise:
– **Impressive Tactical Setup**: Wins like the recent 4-0 thrashing of Everton suggest Amorim is instilling an effective playing style.
– **Squad Motivation**: Players seem reinvigorated under Amorim, contributing to improved performances.
– **Rebuilding Momentum**: Amorim has lifted United from a poor start, climbing to ninth place and restoring some optimism at Old Trafford.
### **The Patience Factor**
Round’s emphasis on patience is crucial:
– **Time for Evolution**: Amorim needs time to assess his squad, implement his ideas, and identify areas for improvement.
– **Transfer Windows**: Rebuilding the team, particularly in line with Amorim’s philosophy, requires careful planning and recruitment over multiple transfer periods.
– **Learning Curve**: Adjusting to the demands of managing one of the world’s biggest clubs is no small feat, especially for a coach new to the Premier League.
### **Looking Ahead**
Amorim’s track record at Sporting CP—two league titles and three domestic cups—proves his ability to build a winning team. If United can avoid the impatience that has plagued previous regimes, Amorim could provide the stability and success the club has long sought.
The key will be maintaining trust in the process, even during setbacks, to allow Amorim to guide Manchester United back to consistent contention at the highest level.