Manchester United Faces Reality Check After U.S. Preseason Tour

Manchester United’s preseason tour of the United States concluded with a mixed bag of results that highlighted both progress and lingering issues. The club’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta served as a wake-up call for players, staff, and fans alike. Following wins against West Ham and Bournemouth, this match underscored the challenges ahead as the team gears up for the upcoming Premier League season.

Ruben Amorim, the head coach, expressed a sense of realism after the match, acknowledging the need for improvement. “I think we struggled today a little bit,” he said, reflecting on the performance. While he did not entirely align with Bruno Fernandes, who described parts of the game as “lazy,” Amorim welcomed the critique as a necessary motivator. The team’s aim remains clear: to return to European competition, a target that requires overcoming a deficit of over 20 points from last season.

This summer was meant to signify a new beginning for United, especially after a challenging tenure for Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag. The coach emphasized the importance of commitment by leaving players like Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho off the tour, sending a clear message about team cohesion and dedication.

Focus on Team Unity and Discipline

Amorim has introduced several changes to foster a more united squad. During their time in Chicago, the team adopted new dining arrangements aimed at promoting interaction, with larger circular tables replacing smaller ones. The head coach believes that stronger off-field relationships will translate into better on-field performance.

In an effort to cultivate camaraderie, players were encouraged to explore Chicago’s Magnificent Mile during their evenings off. Unlike previous tours characterized by heavy training schedules, Amorim prioritized team bonding, opting for less intense afternoon sessions. This approach was evident when the entire squad chose to dine together at TAO Asian Bistro, highlighting a shift in team dynamics.

Discipline remains a cornerstone of Amorim’s philosophy, though he strives to balance it with a more relaxed approach compared to his predecessor. While he maintains certain standards—such as punctuality for training—he allows players flexibility in other areas. His experiences at clubs like Benfica and Braga inform this style, as he believes that an overly strict environment can stifle creativity.

Amorim has also taken steps to ensure players return from their summer breaks in peak condition. The squad was fitted with GPS trackers to monitor training intensity, and underperforming members are held accountable in front of their peers. “If you don’t train in the right way, I have footage to show you,” he stated during an interview, emphasizing transparency and accountability.

Building Leadership and Tactical Awareness

To strengthen the team’s internal leadership, Amorim has established a six-man leadership team that includes Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martínez, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tom Heaton. This diverse group is tasked with managing smaller issues within the squad, allowing Amorim to focus on more significant matters. He noted that in the past, Fernandes often bore the weight of responsibility alone, and this new structure aims to distribute that burden.

Training sessions have integrated a mix of traditional drills with innovative elements. For instance, running exercises are often disguised as shooting practice to keep players engaged. The focus on physical fitness includes rigorous gym sessions, aiming to rectify issues that plagued the team last season.

“Everything’s honestly been world-class,” said Luke Shaw, praising the club’s efforts to create an optimal preseason environment. Changes implemented by club officials, including Collette Roche, have reduced travel and commercial commitments, allowing the squad to concentrate on their training and preparation.

As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming season, they face a critical opening schedule, with three of their first five matches against top teams such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Amorim remains cautious, aware that any early setbacks could undermine the optimism generated during the tour.

The club’s focus is now on tangible results. During a fan engagement event in Chicago, Joshua Zirkzee succinctly captured the sentiment shared by many supporters: “They would rather see some actions on the pitch.” The true measure of United’s summer efforts will be revealed when they face Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 17, 2023.