Paul Scholes, a Manchester United legend, has praised the often-overlooked player after his outstanding display against Bournemouth.
Ruben Amorim’s stint as Manchester United manager has been a blend of promising moments and ongoing challenges since he took over from Erik ten Hag during the November international break. Over his first eight games, the Portuguese coach has managed four wins, three losses, and one draw, with his debut ending in a stalemate against Ipswich.
One of the highlights of Amorim’s early tenure was the thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Manchester derby. This marked his second triumph over Pep Guardiola’s side this season, having previously masterminded a 4-1 victory against them while managing Sporting. The derby win showcased Amorim’s tactical expertise and ability to rally his players for high-stakes matches.
Amad Diallo has emerged as a key figure under Amorim, delivering exceptional performances. In eight games, the Ivorian winger has contributed two goals and six assists, achieving a goal involvement every 80 minutes according to football analyst Statman Dave. This resurgence follows a frustrating period under Ten Hag, despite Amad’s promising early-season displays against Brighton and Southampton. With five goals and eight assists in 24 appearances this season, Amad now ranks among United’s most reliable contributors, sitting third in the Premier League assist chart behind Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah.
Another player flourishing under Amorim is Harry Maguire. The defender, who has made 13 appearances this season, including nine in the Premier League, has shown significant improvement. In the Manchester derby, he delivered a standout performance by effectively neutralizing Erling Haaland and winning crucial duels. With injuries sidelining key defenders like Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, Maguire’s form has become essential. Amorim has handled Maguire’s workload carefully, resting him for games such as the Carabao Cup loss to Spurs to preserve his fitness.
As United prepares to face Bournemouth, Maguire’s recent displays could see him feature prominently again. Amorim’s management of both the team and individual players like Amad and Maguire offers a glimpse of his potential to steer the squad toward better results. However, the inconsistency that has plagued United, including losses to Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham, remains a hurdle. The upcoming clash with Bournemouth presents an opportunity for Amorim to address these challenges and help United gain ground in the Premier League standings.
