Harry Maguire admits Ruben Amorim's job is more difficult as he is the “complete opposite” of Erik ten Hag, but has backed the Manchester United boss to turn around their dismal season.
Amorim have been beaten in half of their 10 games since being appointed head coach and approach Monday's league game against Newcastle, live on Sky Sportslosing three in a row in all competitions.
The Portuguese inherited a team that Ten Hag built to play transitional, counter-attacking football, which makes them very ill-suited to his philosophy, which emphasizes possession and setting a high line.
Monday, December 30, 6:30 p.m
Start at 20:00
Amorim also has the added complication of preferring to play with three at the back, but Maguire believes he has what it takes to overcome his difficult start and lead the club, currently 14th, in the table.
“It's about managers and styles, it's not like they've come in and have similar styles,” Maguire told Sky Sports. “They are the total opposite in terms of what they want and what they are looking for.
“So the transfer window will be difficult. We all have great confidence in the manager and all his coaching staff. I'm sure things will turn around. He knows exactly what he needs to do to bring this club back.
“He came in and did everything he needed to do. He's really demanding.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Premier League match between Wolves and Manchester United
United are a point closer to the relegation zone than a Champions League place ahead of their visit to Newcastle, their last game of 2024, after a 2-0 defeat at Wolves.
Amorim, who will be without captain Bruno Fernandes after receiving a red card, has already been asked about the possibility of being sacked less than two months into the job.
Asked if Amorim was getting frustrated with the run of results, Maguire added: “He's a winner, so I'm sure he will be because he hates losing games.
“It's frustrating. We want to win football games and make our fans happy because so far this season it hasn't been good enough.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says every manager is under pressure and cannot possibly be 'comfortable' in his place at Old Trafford, especially after a run of three consecutive defeats
United need a positive result to ease the pressure on their new head coach and lift spirits at Old Trafford, but face new Newcastle before taking on league leaders Liverpool a week later in another live fixture Sky Sports.
Maguire says there has been no talk of targets in the dressing room because of the difficult position they are in.
He said: “We're just doing everything we can to get up the table. We can't set a target right now because we're nowhere near good enough and nowhere near where we want to be in the table.
“It's really disappointing what we've done so far. Everyone knows that. We know it's not good enough for this club.”