Player confidence and personal regard for manager Ruben Amorim have been pivotal in Manchester United’s recent resurgence, according to former club defender Gary Neville.
Neville, speaking to Sky Sports, indicated a significant shift in the club’s atmosphere after Manchester United secured their third consecutive victory, a 4-2 win against Brighton. He revealed he had previously believed Amorim was under immense pressure and close to losing his position following the October international break.
A decisive victory at Anfield against Liverpool marked a turning point, providing an unexpected boost for the team. Neville observed that the celebrations after the Brighton match conveyed a sense of profound relief, signaling a new chapter for the manager and the club.
“There’s no doubt he hasn’t lost the dressing room in terms of mood, energy, and how they feel about the coach,” Neville stated. “They want to play for him. They are desperate to win.”
Neville noted that discussions with individuals inside and outside the club confirmed players hold high personal regard for Amorim, a factor he believes “counts for a lot.” He confessed to earlier worries that players might not have fully believed in Amorim’s tactical system.
Despite the recent improvements, Neville cautioned against excessive optimism. He stressed that Amorim is not “out of the woods yet” and the club should not get “carried away.” He anticipates Manchester United will settle into sixth or seventh place in the league standings after other teams complete their matches, a position he deems consistent with initial expectations.
Looking ahead, Neville highlighted the importance of upcoming matches against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, describing the current period as a “decisive month.” He added that a poor performance at Liverpool could have led to a very different scenario for the team.