Ruben Amorim is continuing to change the culture at Manchester United, making it clear to his players that he does not believe in a fixed “starting XI”. Instead, he has a team.
Sources have told GMS that the Red Devils boss has already laid out his philosophy at Carrington, stressing that selection will not simply come down to who begins a match, but also who can finish it.
Amorim Stressing Importance of Substitutes
ruben amorim
Amorim has explained that some of his key decisions at Manchester United will be based on the final 30 minutes rather than the starting whistle, underlining his belief that games are often won and lost in that spell.
The Portuguese tactician is understood to view the bench as a decisive factor this season. He has urged his players to abandon the culture of frustration that emerged under predecessor Erik ten Hag, when those omitted from the line-up were often left disillusioned.
Amorim has warned that sulking will not be tolerated. Instead, he wants substitutes to see themselves as game-changers and embrace the responsibility of being the difference when called upon.
Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League opener highlighted the scale of Amorim’s challenge, with his side struggling to turn possession into goals. But the head coach remains convinced that his “impact over ego” approach is the right one to build a stronger, collective mentality across the squad.
It marks a clear cultural reset at Old Trafford. Under Ten Hag, several senior players struggled with their roles outside the first XI, creating tension that spread through the dressing room. Amorim, however, is determined to foster a team-first environment in which every player feels valued, regardless of starting status.
The Manchester United boss believes this shift is essential in the Premier League, where relentless schedules and fierce competition demand more than just a core group of starters.
He has told his squad that fitness, form, and tactical needs will dictate selection, and that opportunities to impress may arrive late in games as much as from the outset.
With the season already underway, Amorim’s message is clear. There will be no passengers at Old Trafford. Every player must contribute, and those who embrace their impact from the bench could become just as important as those in the line-up.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 18/08/2025
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