Ruben Amorim says restoring Manchester United’s ‘identity’ is his top priority

Ruben Amorim has stressed his first priority is to restore Manchester United’s “identity” after spending his first week as the club’s new head coach.

The 39-year-old was speaking in his first interview with United’s in-house TV channel which showed him looking around a floodlit Old Trafford.

Amorim acknowledged his side must “win time” as they bid to claw their way up from 13th place in the current Premier League standings but promised fans he will work overtime to reclaim what he believes is their rightful place at the top of the English game.

“We know that we need time, but we have to win time,” said Amorim. “To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity.

“Since day one we will start with our identity. Of course we are going to prepare (for) the games, but we will focus a lot on our game model. How to play, how to press, these small details.

“You cannot go 100% on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity.”

Amorim’s first game in charge after succeeding Erik ten Hag will be against Ipswich at Portman Road on Sunday, November 24.

And while he admitted he feels a “great responsibility” for helping turn around the club’s fortunes, he stressed that he considers himself a “small part” of the anticipated revival.

During his first week, Amorim was greeted outside United’s Carrington training complex by chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox and on Tuesday met the players who are not on international duty.

“I’m a small part of the club,” added Amorim, in an interview that is available to watch in full on United’s official channels.

“I know that the manager or head coach is so important in the club because you have in your hands the engine of the club. I understand that, but I want to be part of something. I don’t want to be just in charge. So I want everybody together. It will be more fun and so much easier to reach the goals.

“A long time ago, we don’t win the Premier League. But if you ask (me), Manchester United is the biggest club in England. So this is part of the history, it is not now. So we have to to address that, to show that and to try to win again.

“That is a great responsibility. And the first thing is that I’m really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I think I really feel the how big this club is. And then I will do everything for the team.”