A New Mindset: Is Manchester United Exhibiting a Mentality Shift with Ruben Amorim?

Resilience Matters

“Barring a loss is critical,” they say. As Manchester United prepared to face Nottingham Forest, they had previously amassed only eight points while coming from behind under coach Ruben Amorim. Notably, they had failed to secure any points from several recent matches after falling behind, their last equalizing effort being in a match against Bournemouth last April.

This time, trailing by two goals after a swift turnaround by Forest following a debatable first-half goal, United found themselves in a precarious situation. It led to an inquiry posed to Amorim after the match – if this encounter had been during last season, would the outcome have been different?

He answered decisively, stating, “Indeed, we would have lost, and perhaps by a larger margin.”

While the truth of that sentiment remains up for debate, what was undeniable is that Amad Diallo’s late first-time volley from just outside the box, scoring nine minutes before the end, salvaged a point for United.

The performances have noticeably improved since the season’s beginning, especially over recent weeks, with results trending in a favorable direction.

A Change in Spirit

Amorim noted a shift in the team’s mentality, indicating progress in determination and commitment.

“In the past, a lapse that led to two goals would have seen us unable to bounce back,” he reflected. “Today feels different. Even amid the potential for a loss, there’s an assurance of not succumbing. Such is the confidence of a top-tier team.”

Player Dynamics and Future Uncertainties

While the match highlighted United’s growing resilience, it also cast a shadow over the futures of Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom may be concerned about their roles in this evolving squad.

Amorim hinted at the possibility that players fearing exclusion from national team considerations might seek exits during the upcoming January transfer period. It is reasonable to include Zirkzee and Mainoo among those likely contemplating their futures, given their limited minutes on the field this season.

Zirkzee has seen only 82 minutes of action across four substitute appearances, while Mainoo’s contributions consist of 138 minutes from seven outings. Neither player has yet started a Premier League match, nor were they summoned from the bench during the recent game against Nottingham, even as the team sought to force their way back into contention from behind.

Amorim clarified, “We possess considerable bench strength, but frequent interruptions to the match could disrupt our flow.”

He noted signs of improvement from the squad late in the game, indicating a hesitance to alter the momentum with substitutions. Mainoo was previously set to join Napoli before the final days of the summer transfer window, a move that ultimately fell through, while Zirkzee now appears open to a potential return to Italy.

The situation complicates further with the loss of Mbeumo and Diallo to international duties during the Africa Cup of Nations in mid-December, which will necessitate a rotation that the team hasn’t faced previously.

Concluding Thoughts

As the tournament concludes on January 18, both players should return before the transfer window closes on February 2, which may mean a delay in any desires for a change in scenery.

“It is simply the nature of the sport,” Amorim stated regarding Zirkzee and Mainoo’s current circumstances, emphasizing that the situation is temporary. “It’s not a reflection of their abilities; we simply have a plethora of matches ahead.”