Ruben Amorim sets challenge to Man Utd's young stars
- Amorim widely praised for first interview as Man Utd head coach
- New boss quizzed on young core, including Yoro, Garnacho and Mainoo
- Portuguese tactician prepared to put faith in emerging stars
By Tom Gott
New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has challenged the younger players in his squad to show their quality and not hide behind their comparative inexperience.
The new boss has received plenty of praise for his first interview since moving to Manchester, in which he pledged his commitment to creating a new identity at Old Trafford and vowed to do his best to return the club to their glory days.
Central to United's future will be the young core passed down to Amorim. The 39-year-old is relishing the chance to work with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro, all of whom were the subject of conversation during Amorim's maiden appearance in front of the MUTV cameras.
"I don't want to say that we need time because we are a young team," Amorim said. "They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United. They should be because they are here.
"We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games. But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That's the goal."
An awareness of what it takes to play for United is key to Amorim's approach, with the new boss keen to ensure all his players recognise the significance of pulling on the shirt.
"We must have an identity," he insisted. "If our players take the shirt, they will know that it is the Manchester United team. Everybody thinks the same, running back, playing, enjoying. This is what drives me."
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