Ruben Amorim has only been at Manchester United for a month, but Premier League managers are already noticing differences in the team’s style of play.
Andoni Iraola takes his Bournemouth side to Old Trafford on Sunday with the Cherries sitting seven players – but just three points – ahead of Manchester United.
A win for United would help the Reds climb up the Premier League table, which is a requirement to challenge for a place in the top four.
United lost 4-3 against Tottenham on Thursday night as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the quarter-finals. The priority for Ruben Amorim is to improve United’s league position, so it may be positive that United have fewer fixtures to focus on in the new year.
Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth during a training session at Vitality Stadium on December 17, 2024 in Bournemouth, England.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Bournemouth boss highlights Manchester United differences under Ruben Amorim
Amorim’s stint began with a draw against Ipswich, but the Reds have won four games and lost three since then. The Reds recorded a 2-1 win over Manchester City last week before a Carabao Cup defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
United remain inconsistent, but we’re conceding fewer chances and goals from open play. We’re also scoring more goals – but not enough to guarantee wins which is something to address over time.
Speaking to reporters on Friday evening ahead of Bournemouth’s trip to Old Trafford, Iraola pointed out the key differences he has noticed since United sacked Erik ten Hag and appointed Amorim as head coach.
“I think they are different,” said Iraola.
“I think they play in a different way, different system, different approach to the games. I think they keep the games more in their control. They’ve raised the possession they have on the ball and they have really good patterns.
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“If we allow them to dictate the game and to be the team taking the decisions on the ball, it’s going to be very difficult because I think they are playing very well.
“They are conceding very few chances, very few goals, they have very good defensive stats. They already had this with (Erik) ten Hag this season because they’ve signed also new defenders, good defenders, and they’ve improved from past seasons defensively overall and I think they are continuing now.”
It was a different story on Thursday night when United conceded four goals against Tottenham, but Iraola claims Amorim’s side deserved more from the game.
He added: “I think probably they deserved more. A lot of goals but I think they had very good moments. Playing against Tottenham away, it’s always a difficult place to go and I think overall in the games they’ve been composed.
“Even when they are losing, when they want to risk a little bit more or open the game a bit more like yesterday second half, they can do it. I see they manage very well the moments of the game. I think it’s going to be difficult for us.”
Manchester United vs Bournemouth head-to-head
United know failure to win this clash will result in the team being in the bottom half of the table at Christmas for the first time since 1989-90.
It doesn’t bode well that United’s first-team failed to beat Bournemouth last season, losing 3-0 at Old Trafford and drawing at the Vitality Stadium.
Wins Draws Losses
14 4 4
Manchester United record against Bournemouth
That said, Bournemouth have lost five of their last seven away games in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Hopefully, it’s another defeat on the cards for Bournemouth.
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