Former Manchester United star believes that fans will “see something different” when Amorim implements his philosophy
David Beckham has called on Manchester United to give full backing to head coach Ruben Amorim, urging the club’s hierarchy to support the Portuguese coach in building a squad that reflects his philosophy. The former England captain and legendary member of United’s ‘Class of 92’ also cautioned against the sale of key players like Bruno Fernandes and homegrown talent.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS project still gaining momentum behind the scenes, the United transfer department is expected to assist Amorim in overhauling the squad this summer, in order to revive a side that has suffered from inconsistency, identity loss and awful form in recent seasons. Beckham, speaking to The Athletic, made it clear that Amorim should be given both the freedom and the resources to reshape the team.
“I think Ruben definitely needs to be backed in bringing in the players he wants but I actually don’t know how possible it is,” Beckham said. “I don’t speak to Jim [Ratcliffe] that often, only from time to time.”
Having watched Amorim begin implementing his vision this season, Beckham believes the transformation will only truly take shape once the manager has his own players in place.
“Ruben needs to be backed as a manager to bring in his team and his philosophy; he’s trying that already but I think once he brings his team in and his players, then you’ll see something different.”
United’s financial situation has sparked speculation that the club may need to offload key figures to comply with regulations, including young players such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Bruno Fernandes, who has worn the captain’s armband this season, has also been linked with a move away. Beckham strongly opposed such a move.
“I’d like to think you wouldn’t have to sell your captain [Fernandes]. He has been exceptional. We’ve all been critical at times of some United players, but when we needed someone to step up, he has done it.”
Given his experience as a product of United’s academy, Beckham knows what the institution means for the culture of the club. He warned that the departure of young, homegrown players like Mainoo would strike at the heart of the club’s values.
“I also hate [the idea of] any young player who has grown up at United leaving the club. We shouldn’t be selling players purely for financial reasons.
“It should be what they are doing on the field and if they’re not performing, there’s always a chance, we all knew that, I knew that. If I wasn’t performing on the pitch, it didn’t matter what I’d done in the past or what I was going to do in the future; there was a good chance that I was either going to get left on the bench, or I was going to get sold.
“I’d like to think that Manchester United don’t sell players that have grown up at the club, understand and love the club. I don’t want to see players leave Manchester United if they care about United like I do.”
