Some questions remain from an otherwise decisive act |
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There's no doubting the story of the week, where Manchester United have ended up acting decisively, although the main questions are maybe about timing. Why didn't they move for Ruben Amorim in the summer? Why are they now waiting two weeks to have him working? As regards the first, the simple answer is that they did have a think, and one consideration was about whether the team was suited to Amorim's favoured system of three at the back. Much more importantly, neither Omar Berrada nor Dan Ashworth were in their roles as chief executive and director of football, respectively. They have largely driven this pursuit, with Amorim having been first contacted before the last international break. Many sources insist that Thomas Tuchel was still United's main choice at that point, which was why there was surprise that he went to England. The club have since been assertive in getting their man, although not without some recent issues having an effect. The decision to agree to a deal where Amorim only arrives for the international break is viewed as purely financial, and linked to the cuts that the new INEOS leadership have been making. If PSR was a concern, though, the potential consequences of a poor season meant they had to act. The delayed arrival does lessen the impact of the appointment a touch. United aren't really concerned about that, though. They feel the important thing is getting the team right for this season. |
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If you've ever wondered who truly owns and controls football, you're in luck. My book, States of Play, explores this topic in-depth – and hits all good bookshops on 7 November. To mark the launch Reading the Game is giving away 10 copies, exclusively to newsletter readers. Simply email competitions@independent.co.uk with the answer to the below question. The 10 winners will be selected at random from the valid entries: How many times have Man City won the Premier League? 4 6 8 Terms and Conditions Competition closes at 23:59 on November 7. 18+ UK residents only. Only one entry per person is permitted. No cash alternative. Usual terms apply see: independent.co.uk/rules |
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Different dressing-room moods amid Amorim plans |
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The United dressing room is understood to mostly be "relieved" that Ten Hag is gone. The majority liked him as a person but the professional reality was that they'd "stopped listening". Many were confused by some of his decisions, and any chemistry was gone. Those same players will now have to sharpen up, though. Amorim's plans for the squad naturally came up in his talks, and he is expecting a lot more. There is a feeling the players can fit to three at the back, too, while the pace of players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho suits his intense attacking. On the Sporting side, part of his squad are irritated. Some of them only stayed this season because they felt they could make history with Amorim and win a second consecutive title for the club for the first time in seven decades. |
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Fifa hammered in report that has a wider impact |
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In amidst the usual football circus of a big-club managerial change, there was something much more serious. Human rights group FairSquare on Wednesday released a hugely important report that accused Fifa of contributing to "a wide range of social harms, not least very serious and systematic human rights abuses". This is primarily attributed to the body's political structure, centred on the president, that sits on top of a patronage system. You can read more here. The structures of bodies like Fifa and Uefa is something that has been discussed a lot on these pages, since it simply seems inexplicable to essentially bestow the power of the world game onto what is almost random men - and it is always men. It makes absolutely no sense. Why isn't it more structured and layered? The simplicity of the voting system is one of many complicating factors. The federations dole out money to the voters - the member associations - through schemes like Fifa Forward and Uefa's HatTrick programme, which in turn means the voters return the presidents to power. It's not like there is a two-party system, after all. There isn't proper democracy. The immense social power of the sport (Fifa through the World Cup, Uefa through the Champions League and European Championship) then brings these positions into proximity with influences and interests way beyond football. This is also a theme covered in my new book, 'States of Play', which is out next Thursday and can be bought here. |
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Duff stars in a soap opera as well as a classic sports story |
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The League of Ireland isn't always seen as the glamorous end of the game, but it is worth trying to watch it on Friday night. That is because it offers one of those classic final days, with one significant box-office factor. Shelbourne, who have not won the league since 2006 and have been relegated amid financial chaos in the meantime, are one win away from the title. The problem: they have a hugely awkward fixture away to Derry City, and need to win. That is because Shamrock Rovers, who are aiming for their fifth consecutive title, are almost certain to beat Waterford at home. Rovers currently lie two points behind Shelbourne with a superior goal difference. Sprinkling some star dust on all of this is Shelbourne manager Damien Duff, although you wouldn't guess from his approach that he is a former Chelsea title-winner in the big-money days of the first Jose Mourinho era. Duff has thrown himself into the role with marked intensity, where his one-liners and statements have become a significant story to the season. It has rubbed some people in the League of Ireland up the wrong way, which only adds an element of soap opera to a classic sporting night. You could almost paint this as a star dropping to a level he doesn't need to, which is itself a compelling story. Many of his teammates wouldn't dream of it. Duff himself would insist this is about so much more. |
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For media, there was an odd sense of inevitability and abruptness to the Manchester United managerial change this week. Erik ten Hag's departure was one of those stories that was expected for so long that there was then a curious surprise when it actually happened. It should be stressed it's always a little strange to talk about a person's livelihood in this way, although it's obviously not exactly a normal job in terms of the huge financial terms and the kind of elite sphere they're operating in. The press generally had a good relationship with Ten Hag, although he understandably got increasingly prickly - and started to turn questions on journalists - as criticism increased. Ruben Amorim is seen as a charismatic, although his own relationship with media in Portugal was cordial but distant. He quickly went from a dressing-room joker as a player to someone who put on a more serious front as a manager. That admittedly wouldn't be a first. Wednesday's press conference was, however, the first time local press saw him as "edgy" with reporters as questions about United inevitably mounted. He had better get used to it. |
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Ruud van Nistelrooy when asked does he want to be part of any future Manchester United coaching set-up |
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Ruben Amorim would be the sixth manager to have won the Portuguese Primeira Liga and also worked in the Premier League. Name the previous five. |
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| I add electrolyte sachets to my water every day, even in winter. Here's why. |
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