Ruben Amorim has been concerned by Manchester United’s form at Old Trafford this season.
At the end of February, Ruben Amorim admitted in his press conference that he “expects to win every home game” as Manchester United head coach.
That has certainly not been the case though. Amorim says United fans are “nervous”, creating a tense atmosphere around Old Trafford this season.
Amorim’s home record has been alarming this season with six defeats in 13 games at Old Trafford.
Despite the poor record, United fans continue to chant for Amorim at Old Trafford with full faith that the Portuguese head coach will turn things around eventually.
Amorim is certainly exploring every avenue to try and improve home results, including putting a stop to a tradition that has lasted decades.
Ruben Amorim’s new Stretford End strategy at Man United
United have struggled in the first half of games all season, especially at home. Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick against Arsenal gave United a lead at half-time for the first time since December 1st against Everton.
Starting games slowly has been a big issue for Amorim, so he has told his United squad to try something new at Old Trafford.
As per The Athletic, Amorim has told his players to shoot towards the Stretford End in the first half of games at Old Trafford if they win the coin toss.
It has happened in each of United’s last three home games. Incredibly, the report suggests that the Red Devils actually boast a better record when shooting towards the Stretford End early on.
Statistics show United tend to “score less, concede more and pick up fewer points” when attacking the Stretford End in the second half.
In contrast, United are seven games unbeaten when playing towards the Stretford End in the first half so perhaps Amorim is onto something.
Marcus Rashford loved attacking Stretford End in the second half
Marcus Rashford cannot play at Old Trafford this season after joining Aston Villa on loan in January. The two sides meet in the final Premier League game of the season but Marcus Rashford will be unable to face his parent club.
He will not get a chance to attack the Stretford End in opposition colours, but during his time at United it was something he thoroughly enjoyed.
Back in January 2023, United beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford with Rashford scoring the winner in a late comeback.
After the match, Rashford spoke about the impact of attacking the Stretford End in the second half.
Speaking to MUTV, he said: “It is an amazing feeling. Second-half, going and playing towards that Stretford End.
“When you are tired and you are in pain and you are suffering, you want to be going towards that Stretford End, 100 percent.”
Despite Rashford suggesting players ‘100 percent’ want to attack the Stretford End in the second half, Amorim thinks otherwise and so far it is paying off.