A turning point - or another false dawn in a long list of disappointing crossroads moments for Manchester United fans?
That’s the big question that adds another layer of pressure on Ruben Amorim and his stars ahead of the Europa League final.
Amorim Can Take Encouragement from Europa League Run
Premier League results and performances remain disappointing
manchester united ruben amorim
In Europe at least, there has been some encouragement that United are finally grasping Amorim’s tactical demands.
And that means Amorim appears to be moving closer to his number one priority - establishing a clear identity for his team.
Don’t forget, it took Liverpool and Manchester City time to adjust and adapt when Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola arrived at Anfield and the Etihad, respectively.
There wasn’t an overnight transformation so why should United be any different? Especially as they have inferior players who have historically been under-performing.
Amorim has repeatedly called for his players to be brave and show courage in the way they play his system but it’s been a struggle with many of his stars wanting safety first over gung-ho attack.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Amorim, it’s that he’s not lacking in bravery or courage.
Leaving the comfort of Sporting Lisbon and taking on a car-crash squad of under-achievers at Old Trafford was the first sign.
Preferring to start youngsters like Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi over more experienced options is another.
Man United Pursuit of Best Youngsters 'Smart'
Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven already success stories
Ayden Heaven in action for Manchester United
Heaven’s impressive displays allied to the promise already shown by another graduate poached from Arsenal‘s academy, 17-year-old striker Chido Obi, means United may have stumbled on a new tactic that could save them millions in transfer fees.
With Profit and Sustainability Rules biting hard after years of poor recruitment and reckless spending United can no longer afford to splash £50, £60, £70 million on one player.
So perhaps targeting the best youngsters at rival academies is a smart move with the acquisition of Heaven and Obi for little outlay looking like a game-changer.
Heaven was never going to force his way past Gabriel, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Ben White but he’s been given an instant platform at United.
Likewise with Obi who has the promise of game time at United that was probably years away at The Emirates.
chido obi manchester united
Having been hammered for past mistakes signing players for bloated fees, maybe this time it’s hats-off to United for some clever, blue-sky thinking.
United aren’t where they want to be. But perhaps, just perhaps, there’s a silver lining to their plight in that they can offer playing time to the very best youngsters in the game.
That will be an attractive proposition to some of the best-in-class kids who have no quick route to first-team football especially at the top clubs.
And that’s why there will be some nervous academy directors up and down the Premier League looking over their shoulders after United’s Arsenal raid.
Patrick Dorgu Could End Luke Shaw's Man United Career
The England international may be heading towards an exit
Patrick Dorgu in action for Manchester United
Patrick Dorgu was head-hunted because he’s a natural left wing-back who can play the way Ruben Amorim wants.
He’s had a bright start to life at United, and there are already whispers that he could end Luke Shaw’s career.
Dorgu is everything Shaw isn’t - fit, strong and with a reliable record of playing games.
Luke Shaw named football's 'most underrated' player
Cost-cutting head of football operations Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team want players who are able to play and offer value for money.
Sadly, Shaw - who reportedly earns £200,000-a-week including bonuses - no longer fits that criteria, having made only 11 appearances this season.
And with Dorgu, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as well as emerging youngster Harry Amass all able to play the position, there’s a growing feeling at Old Trafford that Shaw’s time at the club could be about to end.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Impressed With Amorim's Handling of Casemiro
The Brazilian's fortunes have turned around at Man United
casemiro man utd
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the rest of the head honchos at Old Trafford admire Ruben Amorim.for his style of management which is delivering small wins.
Ratcliffe and his assistant Dave Brailsford were famous for their “marginal gains” approach to their cycling operation at INEOS.
So they’ve been impressed with Amorim’s handling of Casemiro.
Instead of leaving the Brazilian midfielder to sit and pick up his £360,000-a-week wages, Amorim has worked hard at the training ground to find a way to use an expensive asset who otherwise could easily be written off.
casemiro
Casemiro still isn't guaranteed to stay the course of his contract, which runs until June 2026 with an option until June 2027.
But he’s been the consummate professional and a popular and positive force at United’s Carrington training base.
Amorim has shown he’s prepared to work with any player who buys into his methods even if there are hurdles to overcome.
And in the case of Casemiro it’s given the remaining games of the season clear purpose for the Brazilian.
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