Man Utd stat shows Amorim is already SOLVING one major problem

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 25 Nov 2024 02:31 CST
• 3 min read

Ruben Amorim got his time at Manchester United off to a somewhat disappointing start with a 1-1 Premier League draw at Ipswich, but while the result was not what the Portuguese wanted, it was a performance that did hint he could solve one vital issue that has dogged the Old Trafford club for months.

Amorim took charge of Man Utd formally over the international break and is seeking to transform the style of the Old Trafford side.

Although Marcus Rashford scored within 90 seconds at Portman Road, United struggled for long periods of the clash away to a side expected to battle relegation.

“I know it's frustrating for the fans but we are changing so much in this moment, with a lot of games. We are going to suffer for a long period and try to win games, this will take time. We could have won but we could also lose if not for Andre Onana,” Amorim said.

“But we have to think and be pragmatic about the fact that these guys had two days to train and change so much.”

Man Utd’s injury crisis over: Less running, fewer problems?

One issue that dogged Amorim’s predecessor Erik ten Hag was constant injury problems to key members of his squad.

Already the Portuguese has shown that his style will be important in reducing the physical pressure on his players.

Much has been made of the fact that United ran only 102km against Ipswich, their second-lowest tally of the season.

Amorim addressed the issue post-match as he said: “We have to understand the game, we have to be so much better physically to cope with the high pressure, the volume of the high-speed running, all these things but we need time to work on these things.”

Equally, though, United also bossed 60% of the ball against Ipswich – their third-highest possession statistic of the season. There was simply no need for them to be running all over the park.

Instead of being a statistic that is criticised, once analysed and broken down by Amorim and his staff, he may well find it is one to be praised. After all, a reduction of running logically equates to fewer injury problems, the type of which have dogged the Red Devils for months, depriving them of key players for extended periods of time.