 "Ruben Amorim's trophy-laden tenure as coach of Sporting CP ended with a 4-2 victory over his former club Braga. Reuters")
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro says his teammates are hungry to learn from new manager Ruben Amorim following the Portuguese coach’s arrival in Britain on Monday.
Amorim takes over from assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, whose tenure as caretaker manager ended with a 3-0 league win against Leicester City on Sunday – the struggling club’s third win in four games since Erik ten Hag was sacked.
The 39-year-old former midfielder faces the daunting task of reviving the fortunes of a club that has lifted the Premier League trophy 13 times since it began in 1992, but had finished eighth last season and were languishing at 14th spot at the time of ten Hag’s dismissal.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is looking forward to working with the Dutchman’s highly rated successor.
“He is very true, very loyal,” Casemiro said after the win against Leicester.
“We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting (Lisbon). 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.
“I think there is going to be a good template that everyone wants to grow, everyone wants to learn. I think that is the way to first help us grow to be at the top of the table.”
Amorim will be unable to lead coaching sessions until his work permit is granted.
But the Portuguese coach is allowed at United’s Carrington training ground for meetings, and talks with Van Nistelrooy will be high on his agenda.
The popular former striker returned to Old Trafford in July as one of Ten Hag’s assistants on a deal until 2026 and has been open about his desire to stay.
Amorim’s first match will be a trip to Ipswich on 24 November, meaning there will be little time to implement his ideas and expected 3-4-3 formation.
Casemiro’s form has improved after a shaky start to the season, which included an error-strewn performance in a 3-0 defeat by Liverpool.
“Well, everyone can see can’t they? I only had the Liverpool game, right? The whole team was not good in that game, or this season,” said the former Real Madrid player.
“This match, but individually, of course when the goals are missed, of course it ends up hurting the team more, but I think it’s been a good season for me.
“I want to continue growing, I want to continue helping my team-mates and the coach, helping Manchester United grow.”
Amorim bid farewell to Sporting in style on Sunday, securing a thrilling 4-2 comeback win at his former club Braga.
The Portuguese champions announced on Monday that Joao Pereira would be the new head coach, stepping up from his role as reserve-team boss.
With AFP inputs