Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has backed Manchester United to rise again as Premier League title contenders under Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim.
McCarthy, who previously worked at Old Trafford as the strikers’ coach under Erik ten Hag, believes Amorim has breathed new life into the club after what had been one of the most difficult periods in United’s recent history.
The former FC Porto forward applauded the transformation he has witnessed under the former Sporting Lisbon manager.
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Stuck to philosophy
“I felt really sorry for the manager (Ruben) because he came into United at a very difficult time. New ownership, new change of guard and the team not really performing to the level they should be but he came in with a clear plan.
This is what he wants to achieve and he stuck by his guns, he stuck by his philosophy,” he said in an interview with Sporty TV.
McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time top scorer, emphasized that Amorim’s biggest strength has been his self-belief at a time when criticism was coming from all directions.
“Everyone under the sun criticized him and that is not a place you want to be in when you are criticized and the whole world is watching and judging and cursing spells saying they would never get it right, the team is not good.
Man United to become league contenders under Amorim
He was probably the one that believed in himself as much and he has turned things around, that is a strong character He must have a crocodile skin to be strong and to stick with his philosophy.”
The former Manchester United coach says he is now proud of Amorim for silencing the doubters and restoring belief around Old Trafford.
“Now I am super proud, he proved everybody wrong, he believed in his ability, he believed in his way and now he is bringing back Manchester United to where they should be.”
McCarthy, however, believes United are still in the building phase and full title contention may take a little more time despite the promising signs.
“I think it is a process it will take time they will not win the premier league this year I think but maybe next year from what I have seen in the last five matches if they can continue by that path by next year I think Manchester United will be strong contenders or even favorites to win the premier league again.
They have a manager who believes in his ability, in his philosophy and is letting players who believe in what he is doing because they are responding and they are winning matches. Beating Liverpool, Chelsea is good progress, I am excited to see the Ruben Amorim revolution in future,” he said.
With players responding to Amorim’s methods and the results beginning to show, McCarthy believes the foundation is being laid for Manchester United to return to the top.