It's been a year since Ruben Amorim started work at Manchester United, with one of his first decisions not going down well with club legend Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdiand and Ruben Amorim
Rio Ferdiand wasn't happy with one of Ruben Amorim's early decisions(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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One of Ruben Amorim's first moves as Manchester United boss didn't sit well with Rio Ferdinand.
It's 12 months since Amorim formally began his role at United, following his appointment earlier that month. By that stage, he had already taken the ruthless step of not keeping on Ruud van Nistelrooy as he installed his own staff from Sporting CP.
The Dutchman had overseen four matches as caretaker boss after Erik ten Hag's dismissal, securing three victories and one draw. As a result, many United supporters had hoped the former frontman would remain at the club in some form.
The choice to dispense with Van Nistelrooy attracted disapproval from Ferdinand, one of the Dutchman's ex-United colleagues. Ferdinand argued the decision could lead to further discontent in the squad.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, he said at the time: "His audition couldn't have gone any better and I think, knowing him, there was a steely determination underneath that said 'I'm going to put myself in the best position, either to stay at the club in some capacity or someone else is going to say we need you as a manager.' He looked the part and he produced.
"The players needed that. We're in a time where there was a lot of turbulence, the manager's [Ten Hag's] relationships with some players seemed fractured and irreversible and the fans seemed to have made their minds up that that was it."
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manager of Leicester City
Ruud van Nistelrooy was gutted to leave United following his spell as interim boss(Image: Joe Prior/Getty Images)
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"And the new manager comes in – and you always get that bounce – but this seemed a bit different from a bounce. The players had grown to really like him, they appreciated how he informed them of different bits and pieces – tactically, individually, as a team – and there was a genuine 'we want to do well for this guy.'"
Fellow former United player Owen Hargreaves believed Van Nistelrooy ought to have stayed on to mentor forwards such as Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. He said: "They need to learn from one of the best to ever do it. You don't have to be the main guy, the coach, but he can help these guys learn the little details."
Ferdinand concurred, adding: "We've been sitting here waiting for a manager to connect with the players. We have one right now. Why are you going to get rid of him? The biggest sticking point and question mark will be the manager. It'll be his decision to decide whether he keeps Ruud or not.
Ruben Amorim
Amorim hasn't been afraid to make big decisions(Image: Getty Images)
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"It's a hard decision, because you're going to need a massive personality and character and confidence in what you do to say 'I don't care who's next to me, I can do this. You've got to work out if he's going to be added value or a distraction."
Despite a turbulent period for Amorim, who was under immense pressure before October's international break, he has shown no fear in making significant and potentially contentious decisions. Players such as Hojlund, Rashford and Garnacho have all been let go after failing to fit into his plans.
And there were signs of improvement before the recent international break, following a poor start to the season. Van Nistelrooy quickly got back into the game, taking over as manager at struggling Leicester City, only to depart after being unable to save the Foxes from Premier League relegation.
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