Style makeover

Two trophies in his only two full seasons were not enough to save Ten Hag, whose side never got going in the current campaign.

The Dutchman secured some impressive wins against the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester City during his tenure, but he relied on moments of individual brilliance from an expensively assembled squad, rather than imposing a clear style of play.

United frequently appeared chaotic on his watch, combining an alarming fragility with an inability to score goals, and proved infuriatingly inconsistent.

Amorim has earned his ticket to the Premier League after restoring Sporting to the pinnacle of Portuguese soccer over the past four-and-a-half years.

His preferred 3-4-3 formation could suit the players he will have at his disposal at Old Trafford.

But, he will have precious little time on the training ground to impose his philosophy, as United faces a gruelling run of 12 games between Nov 24 and Jan 5 following the current international break.

"I know how I'm going to play at the beginning, because you have to start with a structure that you know. Then, you will adapt with the players that you have," Amorim said.

Restore belief among fans

United fans, so long used to success, have suffered as their team slipped down the pecking order, usurped by Manchester City and Liverpool.

Old Trafford is no longer the fortress it once was. Liverpool and Tottenham cruised to 3-0 victories in September, while Brighton, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Fulham won there last season.

Amorim has to energize the Old Trafford crowd and infuse them with the belief that, this time, things really will get better.

Although United is in the bottom half of the Premier League, it is just four points off the top four, a finishing position that would bring back Champions League soccer.

Midfielder Casemiro says the players are hungry to learn from their incoming boss.

"We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting (Lisbon)," he said. "We know that Sporting won many titles, changed the club with titles, with trophies.

"He has already proved that he is a coach that has won a lot."

AFP