Ruben Amorim walked onto the Old Trafford pitch for his first interview as Manchester United head coach, projecting calmness and confidence as he embraced the “massive challenge” ahead. He spoke of feeling “relaxed” and “at home,” and while many United fans are eager for his football philosophy to deliver success, his words offered a glimpse into the vision behind the appointment.

Amorim’s unveiling on MUTV was carefully timed, landing at 7pm on a Friday—often a moment to bury bad news. But the club is betting that the 39-year-old Portuguese manager will provide anything but. Here’s a breakdown of his key comments and what they reveal about his ambitions for Manchester United.

“All the people are hungry for success, and this is the place I want to be. You can be part of something special, not just one more. And that is something that I really like.”

Amorim stopped short of labelling himself “the special one,” avoiding comparisons with compatriot José Mourinho. Instead, he framed his role as a chance to restore Manchester United to its rightful status as a club capable of greatness.

Having transformed Sporting Lisbon into champions after a 19-year drought, Amorim knows how to thrive under pressure. His success there—a title, two domestic cups, and an unbeaten league season—suggests he’s not afraid of the scale of the task at United, who last lifted the Premier League trophy a decade ago.

While Amorim didn’t explicitly name Manchester City, their shadow loomed over his words. Accepting a role at United, rather than waiting for Guardiola’s eventual exit at City, underlines Amorim’s appetite for rebuilding a legacy rather than inheriting one.

“I feel the connection with the people in the club, and that is very important for me because I want to work with people I like. Sir Jim and Sir Dave, but especially Omar, Dan and Jason.”

Amorim’s reference to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford reflects his alignment with the vision of United’s new footballing leadership. Ratcliffe, now a key decision-maker at United, is central to the restructuring process, while Brailsford brings years of high-performance experience from cycling.

The mention of Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox—the senior team shaping United’s football operations—further signals a cohesive plan. These figures have worked behind the scenes to craft the new structure, and Amorim’s acknowledgment of their roles suggests he feels supported in his ambition to turn United around.

It’s notable that Amorim called himself the “first choice” for the job, hinting at a sense of clarity and purpose in his appointment. For a club often criticised for chaotic decision-making, this declaration offers a sense of direction.

“A lot of people now talk about the 3-4-3 and the 4-3-3 and all that stuff. But it’s not about formations—it’s about the character of the players. The most important thing is to create the principles, the identity and the character that we had in the past.”

While Amorim’s preference for a 3-4-3 system is well-documented, he is downplaying tactics in favour of building a collective ethos. His emphasis on identity—both on and off the pitch—marks a shift from Erik ten Hag’s intricate, video-heavy methods, which some players reportedly struggled to grasp.

This practical approach could resonate with United’s squad, which has often lacked cohesion despite its star-studded roster. Amorim’s blueprint begins with instilling belief, character, and adaptability, even if achieving tactical fluency takes time.

“I don’t want to say we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United. They should be, because they are here.”

Amorim’s track record with young players at Sporting bodes well for United’s academy products. Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad, and Rasmus Hojlund were name-checked as potential cornerstones of his project, and Amorim is clear that youth will not be an excuse for underperformance.

The Portuguese coach helped develop players like Gonçalo Inácio and Geovany Quenda at Sporting, so his arrival could signal a shift toward a more youth-oriented United. His system’s reliance on energetic, dynamic players also fits the profile of United’s emerging talents.

“It’s a funny thing because I like to speak, not too much, but when I speak, I speak from the heart.”

Amorim’s ability to inspire is already the stuff of legend in Portuguese football. Cristiano Ronaldo famously nicknamed him “the poet” for his eloquence, and the Sporting squad demonstrated their love for him in an emotional farewell last weekend. Amorim’s natural charisma will be crucial in a dressing room that has been fractured in recent years.

At United, he’ll need more than poetry to succeed, but his early words suggest he understands the scale of the challenge. United fans are yearning for their club to rediscover its soul, and Amorim’s focus on character and identity could provide the foundation for long-term success.

Amorim has cautioned that implementing his style will take time, particularly with limited training sessions before his debut against Ipswich Town next Sunday. Yet, he also acknowledged the need to “win time” by winning games—a juggling act that has tripped up many before him at Old Trafford.

But Amorim’s optimism is evident. “You will see an idea,” he promised, hinting at gradual progress while managing expectations. With Ratcliffe and the new leadership team fully behind him, Amorim has the runway to create something lasting. For now, Manchester United fans will hope the poet’s words translate into action, delivering a revival worthy of the club’s proud history.