2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Felix Keith)
Manchester United fans have been encouraged by Ruben Amorim’s playful efforts to build team morale. Amorim will take charge of his first home match on Thursday evening when United host Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League . The Portuguese head coach kicked off his reign with a disappointing 1-1 draw at Ipswich on Sunday and has been hard at work at Carrington in search of improvements ever since.
While he has been busy trying to implement his tactical ideas and groove his players in his chosen 3-4-3 formation, Amorim has also been trying to build a rapport with the squad. Footage from Wednesday morning’s training session showed the players in high spirits – and showed Amorim getting stuck in with the banter. A clip posted on social media showed the new United boss joining his players to form a tunnel for others to run through.
Amorim was seen playfully pushing Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw back before joining in as the players slapped the backs of those chosen to dart through the tunnel. The team-building exercise went down well on X, although there was one widely-shared concern. “This club needs more chemistry, and he is trying to build it,” one fan wrote.
A second joked: “Smiled watching this. I just hope Shaw won't be injured after that”. “Shaw might get injured, they need to be extra careful,” another added.
A fourth wrote: “You can tell Luke Shaw has never seen this kind of love from a manager in his life”. The social media activity from the United players on Wednesday afternoon showed a team that appears to be enjoying the change of atmosphere at Carrington. Sharing a photo of himself in training, Harry Maguire wrote: “Back out there with the lads” alongside a heart emoji, after returning from injury.
Alejandro Garnacho shared a snap from training with the caption “See you tomorrow” and a big smiling emoji, while Martinez wrote “Back at home” with a selection of pictures from training. There was also a joke from Garnacho about the quality of Manuel Ugarte’s mate – a popular South American caffeinated herbal drink. HAVE YOUR SAY! What do you make of Ruben Amorim's methods? Comment below .
United fans are also excited by the sight of 16-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki in first-team training. He was left out of the under-19s squad for the first leg of a UEFA Youth League qualifier against AZ Alkmaar so he could stay in Manchester and train with Amorim’s squad. There is a possibility that Kukonki could soon make club history as the youngest defender to make his United league debut.
Currently no defender has ever played for the club in the Premier League before their 18th birthday and Kukonki doesn’t turn 17 until February. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
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