Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has introduced a fresh approach to the team’s matchday preparations, with the change set to come into effect for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Traditionally, United players have arrived at Old Trafford individually several hours before kick-off, often as early as four hours beforehand, to have their pre-match meal inside the stadium.
That rule had been introduced by Erik ten Hag, who took charge of the club back in the summer of 2022.
However, the long-standing routine will now be replaced following the unveiling of the club’s state-of-the-art facilities at Carrington.
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has introduced a fresh approach to the team’s matchday preparations, with the change set to come into effect for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal
|REUTERS
Instead, Amorim has instructed the squad to gather at the training ground, where they will eat and prepare together before travelling to Old Trafford as a group.
The shift is designed to create a greater sense of unity and to maximise focus ahead of big fixtures.
On Sunday, the squad are expected to reach Old Trafford at around 2:45pm.
Supporters waiting by the tunnel will still get their usual opportunity to greet the players, as Amorim emphasised that fan interaction will remain an important part of the experience.
Speaking to MUTV in his pre-match briefing, the Portuguese coach explained his reasoning behind the adjustment and why he believes it will benefit the players.
“I always had the feeling that we arrive at Old Trafford and Old Trafford must be the centre of the game, but we cannot spend four hours there waiting for the game," he said.
“And I feel with these facilities [at Carrington] we can be here, preparing for the game away from Old Trafford and when we arrive at Old Trafford, we have to feel the fans and then go directly to the game, not killing the momentum of the connection with our fans.
“We know that we have a lot of people waiting there for us, to be with the players and to sign autographs. We will try to do the same.
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Man United boss Ruben Amorim is changing the rules from Erik ten Hag's time in charge ahead of Sunday's showdown with Arsenal at Old Trafford
| Reuters“So, it's going to be the same experience for the fans.
“But for us it's going to be better because we are going to feel, nearer the game, the momentum with the fans and we will spend less time in there.”
Amorim, who has already put his stamp on United since arriving earlier this summer, views the new Carrington complex as central to his wider vision of modernising the squad’s preparation.
By cutting down the long waiting period inside Old Trafford, the manager hopes to preserve energy and keep his players sharp heading into kick-off.
The change marks another symbolic break from the past at United, as Amorim continues to embed his own ideas both on and off the pitch.
Sunday’s clash against Arsenal will provide the first real test of whether those changes can translate into results, with new striker Benjamin Sesko set to make his debut.
Amorim confirmed the forward was available for selection following his recent arrival from German side RB Leipzig.
The 40-year-old said: “I think he has great potential in everything he does.
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Benjamin Sesko is set to make his debut for Man United in their Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday
| GETTY“He can play different types of football. He's going to feel that the Premier League is really aggressive, he's going to learn, but he has a great potential and I can see Ben being a striker for Manchester United for a lot of years.
“That's why we paid so much money - to have a striker that will have his history in our club.
“The guy is always thinking about football. He's really obsessed by that and that is a good thing because you don't have to think about that aspect with that young guy."