Ange Postecoglou believes Ruben Amorim will be successful at Manchester United if he is given two years to work at Old Trafford.
Since joining United from Sporting CP in November, Amorim’s team has struggled, with only five teams earning fewer Premier League points. He has won just nine of his 20 matches in regulation time.
United has lost seven of their last 11 league games and is in 13th place before Sunday’s match against Tottenham Hotspur, who are in 14th. Postecoglou himself is also facing growing pressure over his position.
“I’ve got respect for all managers because I know how tough it is,” Postecoglou said on Friday.
“I’m sure if you asked Ruben, he would say he was just doing what he was brought in to do. Obviously, they scouted him, identified him, and liked the way he works. Appointments like this aren’t made just because of a good impression. A lot of work goes into it, and there’s a purpose behind bringing him in.
“Now, if anyone thinks things will change drastically in a short time, they’re not seeing things realistically. If Manchester United sticks with Ruben for the next two years, they will see progress because that’s the time it takes.
“And if someone can show me a quicker way to do it without a lot of investment, I’d love to see it. But we know there’s a solid plan.”
“I’ve only spoken to Ruben for about 30 seconds at a game, but I’m sure he’s focused on doing what he was brought in to do, and that’s what he should do.”
At the same time in Manchester, Amorim recognized the shared challenges faced by two managers facing pressure to change their approach.
“I am a huge fan of Ange Postecoglou,” Amorim said. “He is a good person, a very good coach. I understand the comparison between me and Ange. We have the same problem. In my opinion, I’m at a bigger club, with more pressure, but coaches must stick to their principles.
Ange Postecoglou (Premier League)“He wants to play football the right way, and that’s a good thing. We know this profession has many rewards, but there’s pressure when you don’t win.”
Postecoglou will welcome back goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfielder James Maddison, and defender Destiny Udogie as Spurs look to improve after eight defeats in 11 league matches. The 59-year-old admitted this challenging period had affected him.
“I’ve been grumpy? Fair enough, too. I’ve had to do this [speak to media] three times a week, sometimes on no sleep. Cut me some slack. I can’t be cheerful all the time.
“It’s fair to say I appreciated the break this week. I had dinner with my family last night, and my boy said, ‘It seems like you haven’t had a game for a while, Dad.’ It’s only been four days, but we’re all in this constant cycle, not just me, but all the coaches. When you’re always at it, it becomes a grind. But you know you have to do it. There’s no alternative. I can’t avoid my responsibilities.
“Having time like this, not having to speak three times a week, lets me take a breath. Hopefully, I’ll be back to how I was before.”
Centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are close to returning. Postecoglou said Van de Ven has seen specialists to prevent further hamstring injuries, while Romero’s quad injury will need about two more weeks to heal. Dominic Solanke could also return from a knee injury around the same time.
