Ruben Amorim may have left Manchester United in January, but the former manager has left a key recruitment principle for his successor: prioritise character alongside playing ability. Amorim, who was replaced by Michael Carrick, stressed that United's transfer strategy must assess the 'character' of targets, calling it a 'rule' for the club.
'It's a key point in our way of doing things now. It's not just how they play,' Amorim said in August 2025. 'The character is really important and we took a lot of time to know the players, to talk with everybody before we bring some players to our group. That is going to be like a rule and it's going to be massive in our decision.'
United have since thrived under interim Carrick, who has won 10 of 14 matches and secured Champions League football. The squad's togetherness has been credited, with the club recently rewarding Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo with new contracts. Carrick has already indicated his involvement in planning for the future.
Speaking last month, Carrick said: 'Certainly there's conversations in different directions and different things that I'm definitely part of. And I think it should be that way anyway, because things need done.' Whether Carrick remains or a permanent manager is appointed, Amorim's emphasis on character remains a blueprint for maintaining team spirit and future success.
