Ruben Amorim has highlighted the importance of transforming Old Trafford back into a “cosy place” for Manchester United fans as he looks to remove tensions and create an impenetrable fortress.
Last season was the club's worst top-flight season since relegation in 1974 and the hapless Red Devils suffered nine home defeats in the Premier League as a result.
The defeat was a record number of home defeats in a single league for United, but just three months later the team had renewed hope, thanks in no small part to some significant signings, when they returned to Old Trafford.
Amorim's new-look side begin their season on Sunday against title challengers Arsenal and he is keen to start changing the atmosphere at the stadium.
Asked if it was important for United to make Old Trafford a difficult place for opponents, he replied: “And a nice place for our fans. That's really important.”
“But we shouldn't worry about that… it's just one game against Arsenal, against one team, and everyone in this room assumes Arsenal will win.
“I understand that, so we'll be there on Sunday to make a difference.”
Asked if this was a psychological problem for his players, Amorim replied: “It's not a psychological issue. It's not just the players, it's the fans.”
“Even in the pre-season game against Fiorentina you can feel it. The fans are a little nervous.
“This feeling [snaps finger] is not just about one day, one game, this feeling that we need to fight together as a team – players, coaches and fans – and we're going to make a difference.”
There is certainly a different feeling to the run-up to the season than this time last year, when Erik ten Hag admitted his team were not ready for the season ahead of the opening game.
“We are ready for the season,” said Amorim's successor. “We are preparing well in pre-season. Pre-season is pre-season.
“It will be difficult for us at the start, but on Sunday we will see that we need to work on improving the results and we will progress during the season.
“But we are ready to beat Arsenal. That's the only thing that matters.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
