Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is expected to adopt a different strategy when his side takes on West Ham in their second pre-season fixture at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
In their opening game of the summer, United were held to a goalless draw against Leeds in Stockholm. Amorim made wholesale changes at the break, swapping the entire starting eleven as players continue to build match sharpness following their return to Carrington earlier this month.
However, Softfootball understands that the Portuguese coach is set to tweak that approach this time around. In his last interview the Portuguese gaffer stressed the need for the team to bond, and he spoke about some players, notably Bruno Fernandes and Koobie Mainoo.
In an interview published on Manchester United’s official website following a training session at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of giving players more game time and building team cohesion.
He said:
“We are going to give more time to the starting XI.
“We are going to make changes during the second half, but we need to give more time, to have that impact in the players.
“It’s important for them to have more time to feel the game, but it’s not a decision [about] who’s the best starting XI to start against Arsenal. We are going to see things.”
Ruben Amorim added that playing just 45 minutes isn’t enough for players to properly settle into the game. He emphasized the need for extended minutes to support the squad’s development and build team chemistry during this crucial phase of preparation.
One notable observation from United’s training and pre-season so far is the physical condition of the players.
Many have remarked on how fit and sharp the squad looks, even at this early stage, and Ruben Amorim stressed why it is important for all the players to be in peak physical condition.
Amorim stated:
“When you play in the best league in the world, one of the best clubs in the world, that is the minimum that you have to do. You have to be in perfect condition.
“Then, there’s a good thing called competition between them because they know that there is no European games. It’s going to be one week preparing for one game. You can just put 11 to start and that is really important in any club, especially in the big club.”
United will take on West Ham at 7:00 PM local time on Saturday night in New Jersey, which translates to midnight (BST) on Sunday morning.
