Amorim’s Leadership Strategy and United’s Transformation Ahead of 2025-26 Season

United faced a disappointing 1-0 defeat against domestic rivals, which thwarted their hopes of securing major silverware and qualifying for continental competition in the 2025-26 season. Uruguay international Ugarte remained an unused substitute during the match against Spurs but still drew criticism from his manager ahead of the Premier League season finale against Aston Villa.

On the eve of the match at Old Trafford, Amorim convened a meeting with the entire Red Devils squad. During this session, he advised Argentina international winger Alejandro Garnacho that he would require a “good agent” during the summer transfer window, leading to Garnacho’s eventual transfer to Chelsea.

As reported by The Athletic, Amorim did not shy away from addressing Ugarte’s performance either. Although they share a history from their time in Lisbon, familiarity did not exempt Ugarte from Amorim’s scrutiny. The manager reportedly expressed concerns about Ugarte’s work ethic, stating that he has become “comfortable” and is no longer the same player he once was. These comments prompted a noticeable reaction among the squad, underscoring the necessity for unwavering commitment to the team’s objectives. Amorim’s management style is characterized as “demanding yet generally fair.”

Amorim prefers to address issues in a group format rather than conducting one-on-one discussions, a strategy that has sparked conversations among the players. During a post-season trip to Kuala Lumpur, several United stars reportedly voiced their opinions on the manager’s methods, with some advocating for more individualized guidance.

Despite this feedback, Amorim remains steadfast in his approach, insisting that players on the periphery of his first-team squad must demonstrate their value through diligent training rather than through personal meetings. He has consciously avoided participating in player-centric social events to maintain authority within the team.

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, another all-staff meeting was organized where Amorim reiterated the importance of enhancing professionalism and commitment standards. He cited instances of players arriving late to training as examples of poor discipline.

While some players may not fully appreciate his coaching style, those in managerial roles have welcomed his “candor and passion,” with Amorim frequently attending United’s corporate meetings.

The Red Devils are in a phase of transformation, having made strides in the last transfer window to part ways with individuals deemed problematic, such as Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, while seeking players who possess a genuine passion for football. New signings like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have reportedly uplifted team morale and quality of training sessions due to their previous Premier League experiences.

Additionally, Amorim has established a six-man leadership council within the squad, which includes club captain Bruno Fernandes, along with Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, and Diogo Dalot. This group is tasked with fostering discipline and ensuring unity among the players.

United’s performance has seen a notable improvement lately, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. They currently sit seventh in the Premier League table as they prepare to resume action on November 24 against Everton and former manager David Moyes.