This was a highly accomplished and assured first media conference by Ruben Amorim, whose confidence was immediately apparent as he strode purposefully into a packed room at Carrington with a smile and “hi guys” to the assembled journalists, before fielding a host of questions from both English and Portuguese reporters.
This felt very different to the strained and adversarial media conferences that became a weekly feature of the final months of Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford.
Speaking in fluent English, Amorim seemed to relish the opportunity to articulate how he is feeling. Smiling throughout, he made clear his belief both in himself and in his players, claiming he is “the right guy at the right moment”.
But he also acknowledged the scale of the task he faces here after years of decline, and the need for his team to improve. However, he also firmly rejected the suggestion that this was “the impossible job”. “Of course not,” he said.
He has acknowledged that Manchester United need time and has said that they need to improve. He has also given a reality check about the plans to put in place and the improvement that is required.
As the first managerial hire since Ineos took over the football operations at Old Trafford, a lot is resting on his shoulders. It was noticeable that Tom Crotty, a senior director at the petrochemicals company and a trusted advisor to billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was in attendance.
However, if the coach was feeling the pressure that comes with that, and from being in one of the most scrutinised coaching roles in world football, he did not show it.
At the end, Amorim embraced several Portuguese reporters who had travelled here to cover his first media appearance.
Whether he forges such close bonds with their British counterparts remains to be seen. But based on this first performance, communication will not be a problem for the coach.
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