The conversation around Manchester United has changed dramatically in recent weeks, and the Ruben Amorim revolution Manchester United narrative is gathering momentum after praise from former first-team coach Benni McCarthy. Speaking to Portuguese outlet Sporty TV, McCarthy offered an unusually candid look at the Portuguese manager’s turbulent first year at Old Trafford — and why he believes the foundations of genuine transformation are finally visible.
A BOLA covered the interview with clear optimism, framing McCarthy’s words as evidence that Amorim’s ideas are taking hold after a difficult introduction. When the 39-year-old arrived in November 2024, he inherited a squad struggling for direction, a club in ownership transition, and a Premier League table that left United closer to relegation than relevance. The team ultimately finished 15th, a stark reminder of the scale of the rebuild.
Former United coach sees early signs of a true shift
McCarthy admitted he felt sympathy for Amorim during those turbulent early months.
“You know, I felt sorry for him because he arrived at United at a very difficult moment… new ownership, a new changing of the guard.” — Benni McCarthy, Sporty TV
He explained that United were already performing below their expected level when Amorim took charge, but what struck him most was the clarity of the new manager’s approach.
“The team were not playing at the level they should, but he arrived with a clear plan. This is what he wanted to achieve, and he stayed loyal to his philosophy.”
Criticism, resilience and belief: the foundations of the rebuild
McCarthy revealed that Amorim endured an intense wave of criticism almost immediately upon arrival. Journalists, commentators and rival supporters questioned everything — from his suitability for the Premier League to the tactical principles he brought from Sporting.
“Everyone criticised him, and it’s not easy to be in that position when you’re being criticised and the whole world is watching and judging.”
The South African added that many observers predicted failure long before the coach had the chance to implement his ideas. And yet, according to McCarthy, Amorim’s self-belief never wavered.
“He was probably one of the only people who believed so strongly in himself… He must have crocodile skin to stay strong and keep his philosophy.”
Players buying into the project as momentum grows
McCarthy says the clearest indication of progress is the squad’s response. United’s players are pressing with greater cohesion, moving the ball with more confidence, and showing a level of collective aggression that was rarely present last season.
“He has made the players believe that what he is doing is right because the players are responding, and they are winning games.”
The former United coach highlighted crucial victories as evidence of a shift in mentality:
“He beat Liverpool, he beat Chelsea… I’m looking forward to seeing the Ruben Amorim revolution in the near future.”
McCarthy also stressed that the manager has won the dressing room:
“You can see that in the way they press, the way they move the ball, the way they fight for each other. That comes from belief, and he gave them that belief.”
Statement win at Wolves strengthens the case
United’s recent 4–1 away victory at Wolves — with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice — played directly into McCarthy’s assessment. It was the sort of dominant performance that had been missing throughout the previous season, and another sign that Amorim’s tactical framework is settling.
McCarthy believes that if this trajectory continues, United could realistically re-enter the Premier League’s top group next season — perhaps not as immediate title challengers, but certainly as a side capable of competing consistently with the league’s best.
A rebuild grounded in identity, not hype
In our view, the Ruben Amorim revolution Manchester United storyline is grounded less in results and more in identity. Having followed United closely through several managerial changes, the most striking difference under Amorim is consistency of idea. The structure — pressing triggers, rotations, ball circulation, rest defence — is recognisable from week to week, and that alone marks progress.
Although critics may argue the revival is overstated, it’s worth acknowledging that tactically coherent football has been in short supply at Old Trafford for years. What Amorim offers is stability of purpose. And in elite football, that often precedes a rise in results.
Still, it’s important to balance the optimism with realism: United remain a work in progress. Injuries, squad imbalance and depth questions persist. But unlike previous short-lived “turnarounds”, this one appears rooted in long-term planning rather than fleeting momentum.
Why Amorim’s Sporting blueprint translates
One element often overlooked is how smoothly certain elements of Amorim’s Sporting CP blueprint translate to English football. His reliance on aggressive wing-backs, compact pressing and vertical combinations suits many of United’s profiles. The Premier League’s pace might challenge his defensive transitions, but the principles themselves are modern, adaptable and increasingly visible in United’s play.
This is why insiders describe the project as a “revolution”: not because everything has changed at once, but because the framework now exists for meaningful evolution.
Key Insights
- Ruben Amorim revolution Manchester United narrative grows after Benni McCarthy’s praise.
- McCarthy highlights Amorim’s resilience through early heavy criticism.
- Players now responding more clearly to the manager’s tactical ideas.
- Wins over Liverpool, Chelsea and Wolves strengthen the perception of progress.
- United projected to re-emerge as a top Premier League force if momentum continues.
What’s Next?
United face a challenging December schedule, which will test whether momentum can become consistency. If performances hold and the squad continues to buy into the philosophy, the idea of a genuine “revolution” may soon feel less metaphor and more reality.
👉 United fans — are you convinced by the direction under Amorim, or still waiting for stronger proof?
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