“I know for sure”: why Manchester United and INEOS refused to sign Rubén Amorim in the summer

Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Ruben Amorim over the summer due to concerns over his playing style.

That's according to talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook, who believes the Red Devils' indecision is costing the club this season.

Having made the decision to keep faith in Erik ten Hag Before backing him in the transfer market, INEOS made the decision to sack the Dutchman before appointing Amorim as his replacement on November 1.

Since the former Sporting boss was appointed, Man United have struggled for consistency and are currently on a three-game losing streak.

One criticism leveled at them is that players don't seem ready to implement Amorim's high-tempo, high-intensity playstyle due to the difference in style from Ten Hag.

But when discussing the issue of players catching up with Amorim's plans, Crook told White and Jordan: “That's on INEOS then, right?

“They did the pre-season with a coach playing one style of football, although we never really knew what it was, then they spent a lot of money to get suitable players for that coach before sacking him.”

Troy Deeney replied: “And now they have taken a completely different path.”

Crook continued: “Furthermore, I know for a fact that the property was offered Ruben Amorim in the summer when they were doing a beauty pageant of different managers.

“They were talking to Roberto De Zerbi, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel And Amorim was told no because his style did not fit with this Man United squad.

“Then they hired him X weeks later. Doesn't fill you with confidence, does it?

But Sam Matterface took a different stance, saying: “It's like that because knowing that information shows that they are clearly planning for the long term rather than the long term.

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“That should probably fill you with more confidence!”

However, Crook responded: “Nothing they have done so far has given me confidence.”

As someone who recently hung up his boots, Deeney provided insight into why exactly pre-season is so important in preparing for the upcoming season.

He explained: “There's adjustment, match adjustment and tactical adjustment; there are different ways to do it.”

“The problem this coach is going to have is getting these players fit during the season.

“I have missed preseason twice in my career due to injury; That season I may have done well, but I never felt good. The preseason is huge as a player.”