“One problem he will face as Man United coach” – Enzo Maresca shares the ‘only problem’ Ruben Amorim will have after joining Manchester United
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As Manchester United prepares to welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Sunday, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s current manager, has shared his thoughts on United’s new coaching appointment. Ruben Amorim, confirmed as United’s next head coach, won’t officially take over until after the upcoming international break. In the interim, United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy is at the helm, leading the team for his second match in just a few days, following United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City.
Amorim, currently coaching Sporting CP in Portugal, brings an impressive tactical style to United—a quality Maresca praised when speaking to The Mirror. However, the Chelsea boss pointed out that adjusting to life in the Premier League may present unique challenges for the Portuguese coach.
Maresca’s Perspective on Amorim’s Prospects at United
Maresca, who has led Chelsea with a promising start this season, had high praise for Amorim’s approach to both attack and defense at Sporting, calling it a “fantastic style.” He highlighted Amorim’s skill in crafting a well-balanced team and confidently predicted the new United manager would find success at Old Trafford.
“The only thing I can say is I’ve watched many Sporting games and know the way they play,” Maresca shared. “It’s a fantastic style, how they defend, the way they attack. So for sure, I don’t have any doubt that he’s going to do a great job at Manchester United.”
Yet Maresca acknowledged a potential hurdle for Amorim. “Probably the only difficult thing he will find is that it’s a different country. To arrive from Portugal to England, it’s just about adapting to that,” he added, noting that this transition would require time and patience. Maresca emphasized that the cultural and competitive shift from the Portuguese league to the English Premier League can be challenging, even for the most skilled coaches.
United’s Interim Setup with Ruud van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy’s temporary role as caretaker manager presents an unusual dynamic, as he guides United without any intention of being a long-term candidate for the position. Following Erik ten Hag’s recent departure, the former United striker has been tasked with steadying the team. His debut on the touchline produced an exhilarating victory over Leicester in the EFL Cup, but today’s Premier League clash with Chelsea will be a true measure of his ability to maintain momentum.
Interestingly, Van Nistelrooy and Maresca share a history, having played together at Málaga during the Spanish club’s peak years. Now, the former teammates find themselves on opposing benches, bringing an extra layer of intrigue to today’s match.
Maresca’s Strong Start at Chelsea Amid United’s Interest
It’s worth noting that Maresca himself was on United’s radar over the summer before they chose Amorim as their future head coach. Known for his successes at Leicester City, Maresca attracted attention from major clubs, including Manchester United and Ineos, for his tactical abilities. Despite some initial doubts from fans, Maresca has led Chelsea to a promising start, securing five wins from nine Premier League matches so far.
Among his key early challenges, Maresca is working to integrate new signing Jadon Sancho, who arrived from United on deadline day. While Sancho’s form has been uncertain, Maresca is gradually understanding the strengths of his squad and showing signs of effective squad building at Chelsea.
What’s Next for Amorim and Manchester United
Amorim’s move to Manchester United signals a bold new chapter for the club, one that supporters hope will bring stability and consistency. With his record at Sporting CP and a distinct playing style, Amorim has the credentials to revitalize United. Once he arrives after the international break, the focus will shift to how he adapts to the Premier League’s demands.
For now, United fans will look to Van Nistelrooy to secure another win against Chelsea. While Maresca has made a solid start with the Blues, this showdown at Old Trafford marks the beginning of a new era for both clubs, with Maresca building his reputation in London and Amorim poised to take on the pressure and prestige of managing one of England’s biggest clubs.
