Manchester United are signaling a renewed focus on turning Old Trafford into a genuine home advantage, with manager Ruben Amorim outlining a plan to heighten the matchday experience for players and supporters ahead of this weekend’s clash with Arsenal. In remarks aimed at lifting belief around the club, Amorim stressed that winning at home is essential to winning trophies and that Old Trafford should feel like a welcoming, energizing arena for everyone involved.
The changes come after a season in which United’s home form under Amorim’s tenure was not up to the club’s standards. He has overhauled the routine that had been in place under Erik ten Hag, shifting away from a long, players-arriving-in-isolation approach. Now, the squad meets at the Carrington training ground, eats together in the refurbished £50 million base, and travels to matches by coach about 1 hour 45 minutes before kickoff. The aim is to arrive at Old Trafford ready to engage with the fans, rather than spending extended time inside waiting for the game to begin, and to preserve the momentum of the connection with supporters.
“I always felt Old Trafford must be the centre of the game, but we cannot spend four hours there waiting for the game,” Amorim said. “With these Carrington facilities, we can prepare away from Old Trafford and when we arrive, we have to feel the fans and go directly to the game, not killing the momentum of the connection with our fans. We know there are many people waiting to be with us and to sign autographs. We’ll try to deliver the same experience for the fans, but we’ll feel the momentum nearer the game and spend less time inside.”
The plan also places emphasis on maintaining a fan-centric atmosphere on matchdays, ensuring that the experience at Old Trafford remains vibrant and welcoming while reducing unnecessary downtime that can sap energy before kickoff. The changes are designed to keep the team focused and energized as they head into crucial home fixtures.
In goalkeeping selection, André Onana has been told he must compete for the No. 1 spot. The goalkeeper was dropped on the last day of the previous season and missed pre-season with a hamstring injury suffered in training. Amorim tempered expectations, underscoring that every player must win his place. “It’s like for every other player. No one has a guaranteed spot. He’s ready to go when called, but we’ll wait to see who performs best. The players from last year and I as a coach know we can do better,” he said.
What this means for United moving forward is a deliberate push to blend performance with a positive, fan-friendly environment. If the changes translate into stronger home results, Old Trafford could reclaim its status as a genuine fortress and a source of momentum for the club.
Summary: United’s new matchday routine under Amorim centers on bringing players and fans closer together, reducing time spent inside the stadium before kickoff, and leveraging the Carrington base to sharpen focus. Competition for starting spots, including in goal, remains intense as the team looks to improve home form and deliver a more engaging experience for supporters.
Editor notes:
– Headline ideas: “Amorim’s Old Trafford Plan Aims to Make Home a Fortress,” “United Revamps Matchday rituals to Reignite Old Trafford Magic”
– Potential angles: impact of Carrington upgrade on team cohesion; comparison to other clubs’ pre-match routines; fan reaction to the new approach; long-term implications for home performance.
– positives to emphasize: renewed sense of purpose, stronger fan connection, and a clearer path to improving home results.