'Good energy and willingness' - Lisandro Martinez backs Ruben Amorim to make the 'necessary changes' to revitalise Manchester United after 'unacceptable' season

Amorim endured a tough 2024-25 season after leaving Sporting CP in Portugal to take the reins at United following Erik ten Hag's departure. The Red Devils couldn't muster up any sort of consistency and failed to win eight of their last nine Premier League matches of the campaign. The Portuguese coach also came under intense scrutiny after his side were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final, denying them any sort of continental football for the upcoming term.

Big changes are needed at United if they are to thrive in Amorim's first full campaign at Old Trafford. Defender Martinez was a big miss after rupturing his cruciate ligament in February but the Argentina international has seen enough from his new boss to believe brighter times are ahead.

Martinez told Clank Media: "The club is obviously going through a process of change. Since Six Alex Ferguson's departure, they haven't found a manager who hits the right note. Ten Hag did a remarkable job at Ajax, which is why he went to United, and thanks to him, I joined the club as well.

"It's like everything in life: you take a gamble, and sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn't. I think that, like any club, if something isn't working, it needs to be changed. It's necessary to analyse what's working and what isn't and make changes accordingly because that's how great clubs operate. Manchester is one of the best clubs in the world.

"Now Ruben Amorim has arrived with very good energy and willingness. I believe he will make the necessary changes. Without a doubt change is needed, because where we ended up in the table over the last two seasons is unacceptable."

Martinez still has a significant amount of rehabilitation to get through before he is available to Amorim again in a playing capacity. His severe knee injury could keep the former Ajax star out until early 2025.

The majority of United's squad has returned to Carrington for pre-season training, though a number of ostracised squad members have been given extended time off to pursue transfers to other clubs. So far, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon have arrived as new signings, while United remain hopeful of getting a deal over the line for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.