Amorim ‘not naive’ to ‘difficult’ Man Utd task

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New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged the challenges of his new role at Old Trafford, stating he is under “no illusions” about the difficulty of the job.

The 39-year-old was appointed on a two-and-a-half-year contract earlier this month.

Although he officially begins his tenure this week, a work permit issue is preventing Amorim from conducting training until his visa is approved.

Amorim’s final match with Portuguese club Sporting ended with a 4-2 victory over his former team, Braga, on Sunday night.

“I feel ready for the new challenge,” Amorim told reporters after the match.

“I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult.

“I’m at peace now. I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.

“I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here anywhere else but there are other places with different exposure and pressure.”

Amorim will have 13 days during the international break to prepare for his first match in charge away against Ipswich in the Premier League on 24 November.

Amorim has predominantly played a 3-4-3 system during his time in Portugal and says he knows how he wants to set up his team at Old Trafford.

“I know how I am going to play in the beginning because you have to start with a structure that you know and then you will adapt with the players that you have,” said Amorim.

“Some injuries or no injuries, what kind of players, the abilities to defend, to attack… I will discover that in the next few weeks.”

United are yet to confirm the precise nature of Amorim’s backroom team and whether Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took interim charge following Erik ten Hag’s sacking, will remain at the club.

“I have to talk with him tomorrow,” Amorim said on Sunday night. “I will explain everything. I’m very clear and I will tell you like it is. So let’s wait until tomorrow.”