‘We’ve lost so much identity!’ – Phil Jones reveals challenge awaiting Ruben Amorim after being confirmed as new Man Utd head coach
Phil Jones has warned new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim that a massive challenge awaits him as he prepares to take charge of the English side.
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Jones, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, outlined the initial task that awaits the Portuguese coach who is all set to take the reigns at the Premier League club as Erik ten Hag’s replacement. Amorim was officially announced as the new head coach of the club on Friday.
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AFPWHAT PHIL JONES SAID
Speaking on BBC’s Planet Premier League program, the former England defender said: “We’ve lost so much identity over the years and it’s been a process of slowly but surely we’re just getting further away from where we need to be. We don’t know which style they’re gonna play, how they’re going to play.
“It’s going to be an absolute mammoth of a job. If you’re the manager of Man United, you have to go in there and get the best out of those players. They might not be right away what you want, but, sort of deal with it and then maybe a year down the line we can assess that again.”
He added: “I think we almost have to swallow our pride a little bit here. I know the way we want to play and the way that United fans expect us to play, but maybe we’re going to have to play a certain way to build the confidence back up and bring confidence back into the team.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 39-year-old heads to Old Trafford after enjoying a fair bit of success in his homeland. In the four years he has spent as Sporting CP coach, he guided the team to four trophies including two Liga Portugal titles. Amorim, however, has a difficult task at hand as the Red Devils are currently 14th in the Premier League and have already lost four matches in nine outings.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
After a dominating performance in the midweek over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, United will aim to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this Sunday as they take on an in-form Chelsea side at home. Amorim will not be in the dugout as he will not take on his duties until November 11.
