Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s successor may consider changing four rules introduced by the Portuguese manager. The 40-year-old was sacked after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United, which left the Reds sixth in the league. His resignation came after controversial comments made after the match at Elland Road. There he subtly criticized the club’s board, suggesting he had little influence over the club’s trajectory.
He further fanned the flames by telling reporters he should be considered United’s “manager” and not just a “coach”. After only 14 months in power, his reign ended. United legend Darren Fletcher, who previously coached the Under-18s after serving as technical director, will take temporary charge against Burnley. There is no immediate replacement in sight, but the bookmakers’ current favorite is Oliver Glasner, followed by Gareth Southgate and Mauricio Pochettino.
The next manager will have to decide whether to uphold or discard the rules set by Amorim. With this in mind, the Express looked at Amorim’s previous regulations at Old Trafford.
Do not use international leave on holidays
Players who are not selected for the national team will be prohibited from using international holidays as holidays. Amorim’s rationale behind this rule was to ensure rest and minimize travel.
“We as a club have to set standards and manage them. It’s my decision whether they can rest for five days, or three days, or three days. Then they can’t get on a plane,” he explained at the time. “This is something we have to decide as a club. So this should start within the club and we and I will be responsible in that area.”
No eating or drinking allowed in changing rooms
Another regulation Amorim implemented was a ban on bringing food into the dressing room on match days, part of his commitment to optimal physical conditioning.
“You can start with the best players on the planet, but if you don’t run, they won’t win,” he declared in December 2024. “We have to run like mad dogs, otherwise we won’t win.”
The losing team in training picks up the equipment.
This measure was introduced to encourage a sense of responsibility within the team. In practice field matches where teams are split into two groups, the losing side must collect all the kit.
“Everyone wants to be on a winning team,” Toby Collier previously told The Athletic. “There’s no need to gear up then. If we lose, we’re in danger! All other teams have to gear up.”
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot admitted that pre-season expectations have increased compared to last season.
“If you want to be at Manchester United, you have to meet some criteria,” he said. “If you can’t match them, it’s not your place.”
No complicated instructions from the coach
In his first weeks in charge, Amorim stressed that the coaching staff should refrain from giving players overly complex instructions.
By ensuring that coaches don’t overwhelm players with overly complex instructions, teams can effectively learn their roles and execute them on the field.
