Ruben Amorim ‘Stunned’ by Lack of Intensity in First Manchester United Training Sessions

New Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly been left “stunned” by one key observation during his first training sessions with the team this week.

After officially taking charge, Amorim oversaw his first drills at United’s Carrington training ground, as players began preparations for the club’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Sunday. While fans expressed excitement at footage showing the 39-year-old working closely with star players, one aspect has given Amorim cause for concern.

‘Bloated Squad’ and Lack of Intensity

According to The Sun, Amorim has been taken aback by the size of the Manchester United squad, describing it as “bloated.” The report suggests he has already identified several players who may struggle to adapt to his demanding 3-4-3, high-energy system.

Amorim has also been alarmed by the lack of speed and intensity displayed during training. The Portuguese tactician reportedly had to repeatedly instruct his players to “pick up the pace” as they adjusted to his style of play.

In response, Amorim and his coaching staff are focusing on drilling the squad and providing tactical demonstrations to get them prepared for their upcoming fixtures.

Adapting to a New Challenge

Amorim, who ended his tenure at Sporting Lisbon with several notable victories—including a Champions League triumph over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City—acknowledged that his approach would need adjustment at Manchester United.

Speaking about his tactical philosophy after the City win, Amorim said:
“We cannot transport one reality to another. United cannot play the way we play [at Sporting]; they cannot be so defensive. Of course, it’s good to beat City, but I’ll be living in a different world, and we’ll have to start from a different point.”

A Tough Road Ahead

Amorim inherits a team struggling in 13th place in the Premier League after a disastrous start to the season. However, United showed signs of life with a 3-0 win over Leicester City in their last outing under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Amorim’s task now is to build on that momentum while reshaping the squad to fit his vision. Fans will be watching closely as he leads United in his first game against Ipswich Town, hoping to see the beginnings of a turnaround.

The manager’s focus on high-energy, intense football signals a new direction for the Red Devils, but it remains to be seen how quickly the players can adapt to his demands.