De Ligt Backs Amorim's Brutally Honest Approach as Manchester United Seeks Cultural Revolution

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt has thrown his full support behind manager Ruben Amorim's uncompromisingly direct communication style, suggesting that the Portuguese coach's willingness to deliver harsh truths could be the catalyst for a long-overdue transformation at Old Trafford. Speaking during United's recent tour of Asia, the Dutch international praised Amorim's candid assessments of the team's performances, viewing them as a refreshing departure from diplomatic platitudes that have characterized previous regimes.

The 25-year-old center-back, who joined United from Bayern Munich for £38.5 million in August 2024, expressed particular appreciation for Amorim's straightforward approach, drawing on his Dutch cultural background to explain his affinity for blunt communication. "I'm from Holland so I like it," de Ligt stated, acknowledging that while media outlets might find Amorim's statements shocking, the defender sees them as evidence of authentic leadership.

This perspective comes after a series of brutally honest assessments from Amorim, including his declaration that United were "probably the worst in Manchester United history" following their 3-1 home defeat to Brighton in January.

Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been marked by stark honesty rather than diplomatic deflection. On 19 January 2025, Amorim labelled his team as "probably the worst team in the history" of the club after their 3–1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League, a statement that sent shockwaves through the football community but earned respect from players like de Ligt. The manager's willingness to call his players "chokers" after their embarrassing defeat by a South-East Asia select XI during the post-season tour further demonstrates his commitment to honest evaluation over face-saving rhetoric.

The former Ajax captain, who led the Amsterdam club to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, believes Amorim's approach represents a fundamental shift in Manchester United's culture. De Ligt emphasized the importance of trust between player and manager, noting that Amorim's directness creates an environment where both parties can rely on honest communication. "I really appreciate him in our conversations personally. It gives me a feeling I can trust him and he can trust me," the defender explained, highlighting how this transparency extends to private interactions between coaching staff and players.

According to recent analysis, Amorim is renowned for his preference for a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasizing possession-based football, high pressing, and quick transitions. His tactical philosophy extends beyond mere formations to encompass a comprehensive cultural overhaul of the club's approach to football. De Ligt noted that Amorim prioritizes cultural transformation over immediate player acquisitions, focusing on establishing proper foundations before considering external reinforcements.

The defender's assessment reveals Amorim's methodical approach to rebuilding United. "He's really into details. Before signing new players, first he's looking at the culture, what needs to change and what can be improved to become a better football club," de Ligt observed. This philosophy suggests a long-term vision that addresses systemic issues rather than seeking quick fixes through transfer market activity. The manager's emphasis on creating "a team of players who are together, fighting for each other and making the most out of what they have" represents a stark departure from previous strategies that relied heavily on individual talent without cohesive team structure.

Manchester United's struggles during the 2024-25 season have been well-documented, with the club enduring their worst domestic campaign since 1973-74. The failure to qualify for European competition for only the second time since English clubs returned to UEFA competition in 1990 has created significant financial and sporting challenges. However, de Ligt believes these difficulties provide the perfect context for Amorim's rebuilding project, allowing the manager to implement his vision without the pressure of European fixtures.

The Portuguese coach's background at Sporting CP, where he ended the club's 19-year title drought, provides evidence of his ability to transform underperforming teams through cultural and tactical innovation. Usually favouring a defensive back three with attack-minded wing-backs, Amorim's sides are attractive to watch. Starting play from the back and interchanging positions, his tactical approach emphasizes both defensive solidity and attacking creativity, principles that could address many of United's current deficiencies.

Research into Amorim's coaching methodology reveals a comprehensive approach that extends beyond match tactics to encompass player development and psychological preparation. The manager has brought five coaching staff members from Sporting to Manchester United, including Carlos Fernandes, Jorge Vital, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro, and Paulo Barreira, ensuring continuity in his methods and philosophy. This comprehensive support structure demonstrates Amorim's commitment to implementing his vision systematically rather than relying on ad-hoc adjustments.

De Ligt's endorsement of Amorim's approach carries particular weight given the defender's extensive experience with elite managers across multiple leagues. Having worked under coaches at Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, de Ligt's assessment that Amorim is "one of the most easy to talk to as a player" suggests genuine leadership qualities that transcend tactical expertise. The defender's observation that previous United teams may have possessed superior individual talent but lacked collective identity highlights the fundamental challenge Amorim faces in transforming the club's culture.

The timing of this cultural revolution appears particularly crucial as United prepares for the 2025-26 season under intense scrutiny. With only seven Premier League victories recorded after Amorim's arrival in November, the manager faces enormous pressure to deliver immediate improvements while implementing long-term structural changes. However, de Ligt's confidence that "from next season we will see more of that" suggests optimism within the squad about the direction of the club under new leadership.