Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and his tactics were questioned by Sean Dyche before his appointment at Nottingham Forest.
After picking up three consecutive victories, Manchester United’s Premier League campaign resumes on Saturday afternoon against Nottingham Forest.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Forest recently appointed Sean Dyche as manager after sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, and Saturday’s clash will be his first home league match in charge.
In their only previous meeting as managers, Ruben Amorim demolished Dyche’s Everton, with United’s 4-0 win back in December still the Portuguese’s biggest win so far.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim celebrates the 4-2 win during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in 2025.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim dismisses Sean Dyche’s Man United claim
There is no denying that Amorim endured a nightmare first season as United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final.
In May, Dyche claimed he’d win more than Amorim if he was given the opportunity to manage United.
Speaking to The Overlap, Dyche said: “I reckon if I went there and played my way I’d win more games. I’m not just saying that, just 4-4-2. Give them basic rules and principles. You don’t have to over-teach everyone.”
More United News
Now, Amorim finds himself enjoying a win streak at United while Dyche lost his first league game at Forest 2-0 to Bournemouth.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash, Amorim was asked about Dyche’s comments, but the United boss quickly dismissed any rivalry.
“First of all, maybe it’s true if we play 4-4-2 we win more, but I always said that I have a way of playing that is going to take a while,” Amorim said.
“I can look at Sean Dyche as a manager and a pundit. If you are a pundit and you don’t say very strong things, I don’t want to watch you. I am the same.”
Man United are adapting to Ruben Amorim’s system
Interestingly, it was after beating Dyche’s Everton last season that Amorim said a “storm is coming” at United. Unfortunately, he was not wrong.
But a difficult end to the season is a sacrifice that Amorim was willing to make in order to introduce his style of play.
Amorim deserves credit for sticking to his tactics despite facing criticism from every angle, including that of Dyche.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim has completely changed Man United’s style of play by leaving Sir Alex Ferguson tactic
The 3-4-2-1 system has been ‘meticulously’ drilled at Carrington, and now there are undeniable signs of progress this season.
Players are firmly behind Amorim and it is clear they are buying into his philosophy. There is still a long way to go, but Amorim’s United is a project that fans can get excited about.