Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has called himself a “huge fan” of Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou – but suggested the Australian is under less pressure and comes from a “culture” of less adaptable tactics.
Postecoglou’s tactics of aggressive pressing and a high line have frequently come under scrutiny during a dismal Premier League season for Spurs, while 13th-placed United are two points ahead of them before the teams meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm GMT).
“We are not winning games, and I understand the connection between me and Ange,” said Amorim, who has lost seven and won four of his 13 league contests since being appointed in November.
“We have the same problem. With all due respect, I’m at a bigger club with bigger pressure. When we choose this kind of profession, there are a lot of good things. But then you have to feel that pressure when you don’t win.”
“I don’t know how long it’s going to take. In this moment, we are in a difficult situation” 💬
Ruben Amorim on if Manchester United could win a 21st Premier League title by 2028 💭 pic.twitter.com/Fba5awkAzi
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 14, 2025
Amorim tactics: ‘I adapt’
Amorim’s critics have questioned his tactical flexibility while watching United’s squad struggle with the 3-4-3 formation he used to make previous club Sporting the dominant force in Portugal.
While Postecoglou is the odds-on favourite with bookmakers to be the next manager to leave a top-flight club, their prices portray Amorim’s role as one of the least secure in the top flight.
“I’m from a different culture,” Amorim said while expressing his admiration for Postecoglou. “I’m Portuguese, and all the Portuguese coaches can adapt.
“I adapt the simple things. I use one system in the moment, because I believe if you work in that system, you can play in different systems at the same time. That is my idea.”
“Cut me some slack, I can’t be bubbly and cheery all the time”
Ange Postecoglou laughed off the question when asked if he’s had a happier week without any fixtures 😅 pic.twitter.com/uv2tgit5VZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 14, 2025
Tottenham vs Man United
Former Celtic manager Postecoglou has repeatedly emphasised his belief that his approach works and his injury-depleted squad will improve if he is given time.
“It’s really important for the coach to follow his principles,” said Amorim, adding that he sympathised with Postecoglou “especially because he’s a good guy”. “He’s a very good coach. He wants to play football in the right way and that is a good thing.”
Tottenham’s 2-0 win at Brentford in their last league match on February 2 was their first of an eight-game run featuring six defeats.
United’s 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace on the same day means they have lost five and won two of their last eight league matches.