Rio Ferdinand backs new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim to give club 'identity' - 'Players in a desperate state'

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Manchester United's squad are in a "desperate state" and Ruben Amorim can help to give the club an "identity", TNT Sports expert Rio Ferdinand feels. The former United defender said the United squad have "not performed for a long period of time", and hopes to see a consistent approach under the incoming boss. Amorim officially takes charge at Old Trafford on November 11.

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TNT Sports expert Rio Ferdinand has backed Ruben Amorim to give an "identity" to Manchester United's "desperate" squad.

The Red Devils have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign, in the wake of their lowest-ever league finish since the English top-flight's formation in 1992.

Their slow start saw Erik ten Hag relieved of his managerial duties, with the highly-rated Amorim - who has secured two Primeira Liga titles and two Taca da Liga trophies with Sporting - named his successor in the Old Trafford dugout.

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And Ferdinand feels the United squad are in a "desperate state" having "not performed for a long period of time" - adding that the club's players will want their new boss to bring out their "potential".

"These players are in a desperate state," Ferdinand said ahead of Sporting's UEFA Champions League clash with Amorim's soon-to-be rivals Manchester City, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"We’ve been in changing rooms where things aren’t going well. You’re clutching at straws and clinging to any type of positivity. A new manager comes in now with the reputation he’s got.

"These players have not performed for a long period of time. There might have been the odd performance here or there, but [doing it] consistently is what delivers trophies over a sustained period of time. None of them can sit there and say they’ve done that.

"Bruno [Fernandes] is the only one probably close. But all the others will be sitting there saying 'please bring some performances out of myself, help me to become the player that everyone thinks I can be, that my potential suggests I can be, because right now I am not delivering'.

"If they’re honest about it, that’s what they’ll be saying. Hands out saying please pull me along."

Ferdinand went on to praise Amorim's consistent approach over his four-and-a-half year stint with Sporting, insisting the "identity" his Portuguese side possess is something he can replicate in Manchester.

Ferdinand: Man Utd players are in ‘desperate state’ ahead of Amorim arrival

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But the 39-year-old is United's sixth permanent boss since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013, and Ferdinand said "time will tell" if the club have finally found a long-term solution.

"I think only time will tell," Ferdinand said. "I’ve been known to get quite excited by new managers every now and again, so I’m not going to go overboard, but I’m liking what I’m seeing.

"We’ve been calling out for Man United to have an identity, a way of playing that we can look at, and consistently we see it.

"When you look at this Sporting team over the last few years since he’s been there, they have a consistent team and way of playing.

"He seems to be able to deliver a particular style of football on a consistent basis and I think that’s a starting point for Man United. If we see that being churned out week in week out, it would be a huge improvement."

Amorim's debut in the United dugout will come away at winless Ipswich Town in the Premier League on November 24.

'HE'S NOT DISLIKED BY ANYONE'

'He's not disliked by anyone' - Lescott, Ferdinand on Amorim's move to Man Utd

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Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, meanwhile, praised the incoming United boss on transforming the Portuguese club.

Sporting's prolonged success under the former Benfica midfielder started in his first full season in charge, when he led the club to their first Portuguese title in 19 years.

And Lescott feels the coach's popularity within the game is a "good sign".

"There was a period of time where they were struggling," Lescott said. "He’s gone there and transformed the club, the city to an extent.

"He’s spoken about very highly. There’s a lot of managers that have managed at the top level and they are liked. He’s not disliked by anyone. A good sign."

Lescott added that Amorim's arrival at United will "level the playing field" for the squad.

"I’m guessing some of the players weren’t enjoying the previous reign," he said. "When a manager comes in it’s a chance to impress, level playing field for everyone.

"They’ll have to be at it. He seems very demanding in a good way. I’m sure the players will want to learn. When you’re learning as a player, it adds to the stimulus of enjoyment. Time will tell."

The Champions League clash between Sporting and City is Amorim's final home match in charge of the club.

Stream the 2024/25 Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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