Ruben Amorim can enjoy his birthday knowing the United man's fans are behind him, writes Chris Wheeler…unlike Sir Jim Ratcliffe who has a new X-rated chant


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Ruben Amorim will wake up on his 40th birthday on Monday feeling closer to 50. The 77 days since he landed on a private jet from Portugal, looking sunny and full of optimism, have affected Manchester United's new head coach.

'Of course there is a lot of pressure. You can see in my face, you can compare it to the journey when I arrived and now,' he commented earlier this month, and that was before United put him through the wringer in games against Liverpool, Arsenal, Southampton, Brighton and Rangers.

Encouragingly, only one of those games ended in defeat, albeit the one against Brighton which sent Amorim into an emotional breakdown in which he damaged a television in the dressing room.

And here on a soggy night at Craven Cottage was another victory to lift your spirits and celebrate your birthday with a smile on your face.

It wasn't pretty. United never is these days, even when they win. Amorim was made to “suffer” again, to borrow one of his favorite words. But it was another small step in the right direction.

Although the Brighton defeat was Amorim's sixth in the Premier League, as many as he has suffered in an entire season at his three previous clubs, the boos at the final whistle were never for him. The Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe were the target of his ire and here again on Monday.

Ruben Amorim admitted that the stress of managing Manchester United has affected him

Ruben Amorim admitted that the stress of managing Manchester United has affected him

Their united team managed to claim a late victory over Fulham courtesy of a goal from Lisandro Martínez

Their united team managed to claim a late victory over Fulham courtesy of a goal from Lisandro Martínez

The Portuguese received a resounding ovation from traveling fans on the eve of his 40th birthday.

The Portuguese received a resounding ovation from traveling fans on the eve of his 40th birthday.

Here, United's traveling fans were showing their love long before Lisandro Martínez's shot was deflected off Bernd Leno in the 78th minute for the game's decisive goal.

“The red and white army of Amorim,” they sang from the edge of Putney, then sang his name to the tune of Give it By KC and The Sunshine Band.

He was too absorbed in the game to recognize them. As usual, Amorim barely left the technical area, pacing up and down, he and fellow Portuguese Marco Silva visible from the other side of the pitch in their bright white trainers.

If any team was going to win, it felt like Silva's. Fulham had the better chances and Andre Onana was the busier of the two goalkeepers.

But after winning with late goals on their last two visits to Craven Cottage, there was always a danger that United would do it again. Martinez was the unlikely hero three days after laying down Bruno Fernandes' late winner against Rangers.

Did it prove that they are closer to adapting to your 3-4-3 system? On nights like this it's hard to say.

But United move up to 12th in the Premier League and head to Bucharest in midweek, where a point against Steaaaaa is likely to guarantee a place in the Europa League round of 16.

The improvements are there, however small. It would be easier if Amorim could buy him out of trouble, but there is little chance of that before next week's transfer deadline.

However, it remains to be seen whether United can successfully adapt to their 3-4-3 system.

However, it remains to be seen whether United can successfully adapt to their 3-4-3 system.

That must be a bit given his predecessor Erik Ten Hag spent £600m and his most expensive signing, £82m, Antony, has just disappeared on loan to Betis Real for the rest of the season. Offer Amorim a fraction of that cash and he'll take your hand off.

Still, I knew the score when I landed from Lisbon and in November and it's been a bit as tough as I expected.

Before this game, Amorim admitted that he would like a preseason with his players so that they could see him “not always prepare for games with stress.” Unfortunately, that will have to wait until summer.

For now, he has three points and another reason to celebrate his birthday in Carrington.

Manchester Unitedruben Amorim





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By Kevin Rogers

Kevin is a seasoned sports journalist with 15 years of experience covering major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. His dynamic commentary and expert game analysis connect with fans across all sports, ensuring reliable and engaging coverage. Phone: +1 (212) 574-9823

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