Ruben Amorim has officially taken over as Manchester United’s head coach and is preparing for his first match in charge against Ipswich Town. As he addressed the media ahead of the game, he expressed his intention to “change the standards” at the club and set a new direction for the struggling Red Devils. However, while his words were promising, body language expert Judi James assessed his first press conference and revealed a mixture of positive and concerning signals that could influence his time at United.
Charismatic and Engaging
Amorim’s body language conveys an image of charisma, warmth, and enthusiasm. According to James, his “eye-smile” and engaging gestures were key traits that would make him likable and approachable. His mouth-smile, paired with a relaxed chin and posture, conveyed a sense of optimism, suggesting he was the type of manager who could inspire and energize a team that has been lacking direction in recent years. His upbeat and comfortable demeanor was also notable, as he didn’t display the typical signs of tension or unease that often accompany new managerial appointments.
James described Amorim as someone who would easily connect with the players, offering the kind of positive energy that might help restore confidence to the squad. His comfort in front of the media is a stark contrast to the “haunted” look that often characterizes managers under pressure, suggesting he could bring a fresh approach to a club that has been mired in uncertainty since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
Subtle Red Flags
However, while Amorim’s body language suggested optimism, James pointed out some subtle signs of anxiety and caution that raised questions. For example, when asked about what made him believe he could turn the club’s fortunes around, Amorim showed signs of distraction. He began to scratch his wrist, turned his head away, and wrung his hands while saying, “I believe in myself.” These actions, according to James, indicated inner anxiety, as did the gestures of cracking his knuckles and rubbing his thumbs together—a self-comforting ritual.
Amorim’s body language also showed some incongruence between his verbal and non-verbal cues. While he was speaking positively about the players, saying, “I truly believe in the players,” his actions—such as looking away and fidgeting—suggested that he might not fully believe in the current squad’s ability to meet expectations just yet.
Evasive or Focused?
Another concern James noted was Amorim’s tendency to turn his head and shift his gaze away when preparing to respond to questions. While this could be attributed to language barriers, with Amorim possibly looking away to focus on his English, it appeared evasive. This gave the impression of someone who may have been holding back or hesitant to fully engage in certain topics, such as his plans for the team or his first impressions of the squad.
When asked about his initial thoughts on the team, Amorim’s response was less direct. His smile turned into a slight grimace, and he used a “thumb-shrug” gesture when commenting on the need for improvement. This moment of hesitation, paired with his body language, suggested that he may be more demanding and exacting than his words let on.
Managing Expectations
Amorim’s non-verbal cues also showed signs of internal conflict. When discussing the squad, he referred to players using third-person language such as “You feel” or “You have” instead of using the personal pronoun “I,” which might indicate some distancing from the team. James speculated that this could be due to a language issue, but it also suggested a level of disassociation or lack of complete connection with the players at this stage.
Despite these minor red flags, Amorim’s overall demeanor was seen as positive. His body language projected someone who could rally the team, but James also noted that the path forward may not be as smooth as his outward optimism suggests. Fans of Manchester United will have to wait and see whether Amorim’s approach to leadership can overcome the inner doubts and challenges that his body language hinted at.
On Squad Standards and January Plans
During his press conference, Amorim was also asked about the high standards at Manchester United, particularly after players like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro were seen going on lavish trips during the international break. Amorim, however, defended the players, stating that they are adults who should be free to make their own decisions. He acknowledged that the club needed to change its standards but avoided criticizing individual players.
This statement ties into his broader vision for United, which is to raise expectations and create a more disciplined environment. Fans will be watching closely to see how he addresses these challenges as he settles into his role and starts making decisions on the future direction of the team.
Looking Ahead
As Amorim prepares for his first game at the helm of Manchester United, there are reasons for optimism. His natural charisma and enthusiasm could breathe new life into a squad that has struggled to find consistency. However, his body language suggests that he may face challenges in connecting with certain players and managing expectations. United’s fans will be hoping that Amorim can strike the right balance and lead the team back to success, but it’s clear that there is still much work to be done.
Amorim’s first match in charge against Ipswich Town kicks off on Sunday, and all eyes will be on how he handles his debut and what changes he will bring to the team.
