United boss believes optimism is returning after a nightmare first few months in charge
A promising, unbeaten first pre-season under the meticulous Portuguese was followed by a clear upturn in performance as the rebuilding Red Devils kicked off their Premier League campaign last Sunday.
United played well against Arsenal, but a mistake from Altay Bayindir’s handed Arsenal a lead they did not surrender as they ground out a 1-0 win.
The reaction to the Arsenal performance has been positive and Amorim has revealed his mindset has changed from last season’s enduring nightmares, with a new forward line featuring summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offering fresh hope.
Ruben Amorim has a decision to make with his goalkeepers (Nick Potts/PA)
Ruben Amorim has a decision to make with his goalkeepers (Nick Potts/PA)
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"Last year, sometimes I was worried going to the games, but now I'm excited, it is completely different,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
"We suffered together so much (last season) and that can bond people - the spirit is really good."
"When you feel the team is playing well, you get confident and you feel more free to play and if you feel more free to play, you are happier.
"If you are happier, your day-to-day is better and it's like a snowball.
"We have different options this year, but sometimes football is more than just on the pitch.
"They [Mbeumo and Cunha] are coming in at a moment where the spirit is different, the place is different - sometimes we have a lot of very good players but the scars were there and that influenced the dynamic of the team.
"They can help us, not just on the pitch but off the pitch too, I feel the guys are more free because they were not here in the very, very difficult moments - they are seeing a different thing."
Amorim also revealed he has spoken to his players about side-stepping negativity, as he insisted they need to avoid the criticism that comes their way.
"The first thing I've already said to my players is when you see so many critics, you get upset and that is normal," he stated.
"For me, the only way to protect myself and my players it to tell them not to see anything.
"You have to be like a monk, especially when you have problems and then I try to present the facts because sometimes there is a narrative that is not true.
"Altay made one mistake, but last year he had very good performances, so I try to tell that to the players and then try to battle that narrative.
"But in the end, it's with the players, they have to enjoy their life, go to work, enjoy their family and try not to see anything on the TV or on the internet."