Old Trafford bid farewell to Dutch manager Erik ten Hag last month, as Manchester United struggled in both the Premier League and Europa League. But to suggest his inescapable sacking was solely down to the fact his results were terrible, then it would shortchange the underlying aspects that led to his dismissal.

The Ruben Amorim era has already begun at Man United, and the Portuguese will waste no time in ensuring that one of his old Sporting players is vital to the system that he wishes to play.

Amorim told his players they “have to have fun” in one of his first talks with the group that remain behind while others are on international duty. As trite as it may sound, this is surely key for United after a difficult time under Ten Hag when they ...