Ruben Amorim’s rotation policy has already caused unrest among the Manchester United squad, with one player expressing concerns over the numerous changes the new manager has implemented in his first month in charge.
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However, successive defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have provided a harsh reality check for the former Sporting Lisbon manager.
Despite sticking to his preferred 3-4-3 formation in his five games in charge, Amorim has frequently altered his starting lineup and faced criticism for his in-game substitutions.
In total, Amorim has made 23 changes in the last four games, and according to the MEN, one player has privately voiced their displeasure with the constant tinkering.
Nevertheless, most of the first-team squad reportedly support the manager’s decisions, understanding the rationale behind the frequent changes.
Injuries have necessitated some rotation, while Amorim is also keen to evaluate his players in match situations to determine their suitability for his system.
‘It’s not because I like to change all the time but we have to have all the squad fit,’ Amorim said last week, attempting to clarify his thought process.
‘So, for example, Harry Maguire has a time limit, Tyrell Malacia has a time limit, Mason Mount has a time limit, Leny Yoro has a really time limit.
‘So we have to manage winning games, different methodology, different way of playing, more metres to press and tomorrow we have to assess and the guys that are a little bit at risk to some injury will not play
‘So we have to have everybody to work, to play and to improve the squad.’
Amorim has acknowledged that the sudden departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth is “not the best situation,” but he remains confident that the club’s vision is still clear and unaffected.
The shocking news of the 53-year-old’s exit from Old Trafford, only 159 days after his move from Newcastle was finalized, broke on Sunday morning.
Facing the media for the first time since the unexpected departure, Amorim addressed questions about the situation ahead of Thursday’s Europa League group match against Viktoria Plzen.
‘The first thing I want to say is that since the first day I felt great support from the ownership,’ the United head coach said.
‘From Omar (Berrada, chief executive), from Dan also, from Jason (Wilcox, technical director).
‘Dan was part of that, and I really, really, really felt support from Dan also.
‘But this is football and sometimes these things happens. It happens with players, with coaches.
‘I know that it’s not the best situation but the important thing is we continue in our way. The path is really clear for everybody and I think this can happen in football.’
