Ruben Amorim has made a strong impression. (Image: MANCHESTER UNITED)
enthused supporters with his first interview as the club’s new head coach last week, and his infectious personality shone through off camera, too. The 39-year-old’s first impression has offered optimism that he possesses the character required to continue his successful streak at Old Trafford.
Amorim landed in Manchester last Monday and spent his opening couple of days getting to grips with his new surroundings at Carrington.
Then came his maiden address, staged below a pitch-black sky engulfed by four empty stands that enigmatically remain so loud even when silent.
The floodlights were appropriately beaming down on Amorim during the 12-minute interview, given that the situation has metaphorically been the same since he was announced as ‘s successor.
He impressed viewers by acknowledging the magnitude of the job, expressing his understanding of United’s goliath status, and offering a “guarantee” of an instant identity on the pitch.
But Amorim also enchanted club staff with his personality when the cameras weren’t rolling and during segments cut from the final product.
Harry Robinson, one of United’s media staff, conducted the interview with the Portuguese coach and has since revealed his experience on his .
The club journalist recalled one moment, as Amorim left Old Trafford, when he bared his people skills one final time with a jokey demand.
Harry Robinson interviewed Ruben Amorim. (Image: Getty)
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“I can’t wait to see him stride out at Old Trafford against Bodo-Glimt, hopefully with a good result at Ipswich in the bag,” Robinson wrote.
“‘Don’t call me names, Harry!’ he said before he left for the day, pointing at where I stand in the Stretford End. I’d shown him earlier.
“There’s no chance of that, I assured him. A hug, a handshake and a smile, and off he went, ready to focus on the football and impart his vision on our club.”
He added: “This is a man with a strong personality, conviction and definitely a certain aura. He puts you at ease and then inspires you. And that’s not hyperbolic.”
Robinson also shared a tidbit from when Amorim proved just how invested he was in United’s traditions and history after a tour of the Old Trafford museum.
“One moment that didn’t quite make the cut was Amorim remembering the year in which Newton Heath were saved by John Henry Davies and renamed ,” Robinson explained.
“After a brief pause, he got it right. 1902. His tour around the ground and museum with Jason Leach (a diehard Red who’s worked at United for many years) really made an impact on him.”
Amorim’s strong early sentiment with United’s players, fans and staff will only continue to grow with a positive result in his first game at the helm against Ipswich Town on Sunday.