David Beckham has spoken out on one of Ruben Amorim’s key principles at Old Trafford after the Manchester United manager arrived at the Premier League club.
Ruben Amorim became the sixth permanent Manchester United manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at Old Trafford after he replaced Erik ten Hag.
Former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag was sacked as United manager last October after the Red Devils’ shocking start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was United assistant manager under Ten Hag, took charge of the Red Devils in 2024 for a four-match managerial spell at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old United legend would leave the Premier League side last November after Amorim did not retain Ruud van Nistelrooy for his United coaching staff.
Amorim has overseen a difficult period at the Premier League club since he left his native homeland and his role at Sporting CP to become United manager.
United’s form has dwindled in the Premier League this season and the Red Devils languish in 16th place under Amorim with only one league match remaining.
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Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
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Man Utd legend David Beckham makes Sir Alex Ferguson point amid Ruben Amorim discourse at Old Trafford
David Beckham enjoyed incredible success at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson and was a key Manchester United first-team player under the iconic Scotsman.
One of United’s famed ‘Class of ‘92’ stars, Beckham lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two FA Cups during his prolific Red Devils spell.
The 50-year-old United legend shot to superstardom under legendary former Red Devils manager Ferguson before his blockbuster 2003 move to Real Madrid.
Speaking to The Athletic, Beckham insisted that Ferguson was a clear-cut example of a manager who knew “when to change and when to adapt” his system of football.
“A lot of managers have come in and said that but I think you just have to look back at one of the greatest managers to ever lead Manchester United and one of the greatest managers in football,” he said.
“The manager [Ferguson] always knew when to change and when to adapt. He always knew he had another option to change the system, to change the players, to bring in new talent. He was the best at it.”
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David Beckham’s verdict on Ruben Amorim and Man Utd manager’s tactical system at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim rolled out his system at United after he succeeded Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and the 40-year-old manager has seen a mixed set of results so far.
United have shifted to playing with a three-man backline and Amorim has stuck with his tactical system, despite fierce criticism and calls for him to pivot away from it.
Beckham admitted that he does deeply admire Red Devils boss Amorim a lot for staying true to his philosophy and blueprint at United with his system.
“So if he can do it, then at some point I’m sure if Ruben sees there’s an opportunity to change the system or change the way he plays, maybe he will have to do it,” he continued.
“But I like the fact that he is like: ‘No, I’m going to stick with my system.’ And that’s what I respect about him.”
United are in the 2025 Europa League final and the Red Devils will meet Premier League side Tottenham on Wednesday evening at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao.