Portuguese coaches clash: Pereira soars, Amorim stumbles

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By Martin Graham | 27th Dec 2024

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has made an immediate impact since taking charge, securing back-to-back victories in his first two games, including a 2-0 win against Manchester United. Despite his team’s recent success, Pereira was quick to dismiss comparisons between his accomplishments and the challenges faced by Ruben Amorim, who is enduring a difficult start as Manchester United head coach.

“This wasn’t about me versus Ruben; it was Wolves against Manchester United,” Pereira remarked after the match. “Ruben is an exceptional coach, and in time, he will prove his quality.”

The numbers, however, paint a stark contrast. Pereira’s two wins have yielded six points, just one fewer than Amorim has accumulated in his first seven league games. Amorim’s tenure has been marked by five defeats in his initial 10 matches across all competitions – United’s worst start under a new coach since Walter Crickmer in 1932.

United’s set-piece struggles and defensive woes

United’s ongoing issues defending set-pieces were exposed yet again at Molineux. Wolves’ Matheus Cunha scored directly from a corner, a tactic he later revealed was practiced during the week. “I aimed for the goal,” Cunha confirmed, highlighting a glaring vulnerability in United’s defensive organization.

This was not an isolated incident. In recent weeks, United have conceded from corners on multiple occasions, including against Tottenham and Arsenal. Amorim acknowledged the issue but offered little in the way of solutions, explaining, “When you’re jumping, even the slightest touch makes it hard to catch the ball.”

Wolves’ second goal, coming deep into stoppage time, further compounded United’s misery. However, Amorim dismissed its significance, noting it occurred while his team was pushing forward in desperation. Adding to United’s troubles, Bruno Fernandes received his third red card of the season, leaving the team without their captain for their next match.

Tough road ahead for Amorim

Amorim faces mounting pressure as United prepare for a challenging run of fixtures, including clashes with Newcastle and Liverpool. The coach admitted his players are struggling to adapt to his new methods, stating, “They need time to train and adjust to a completely different style of play. Right now, it’s about surviving and trying to win occasionally.”

United’s lackluster performances have been compounded by the absence of Marcus Rashford, who has been left out of the squad for four consecutive games. Amorim offered no timeline for improvement, saying, “I have no idea how long this will take.”

Meanwhile, Pereira’s Wolves are riding a wave of momentum. Praising the team’s energy and connection with the fans, Pereira credited the players’ determination for their recent success. “This group has shown incredible spirit,” he said.

As Wolves celebrate their resurgence, United find themselves in the midst of a daunting rebuilding process, with Amorim desperately searching for answers to halt their slide.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer