Ruben Amorim has been left red-faced as Arsenal monitor a move for Ivan Fresneda, the former Real Madrid right-back who has flourished at Sporting since Amorim departed for Manchester United. The newly-appointed AC Milan head coach barely played the Spain youth international in Lisbon after his signing from Real Valladolid as part of a £10million deal.
Fresneda's Revival Under Rui Borges
Fresneda, 21, made just 16 appearances across a season-and-a-half under Amorim, though he missed two months after shoulder surgery. Under his successor, Rui Borges, the defender has played 63 times. Four caps for Spain's under-21s also followed last season, after two years out of the national team setup.
Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola claims Borges is seeing what Amorim could not decipher. It is said that Fresneda did not fit the way United's boss-to-be wanted his wing-backs to play. He is reportedly attracting attention from the Gunners and his former employers, Real Madrid, for his defensive positioning rather than forward play. Fresneda has just four goals and as many assists across his club career. Instead, the defender stands out for his aggressiveness and determination, with reading of the game said to be another of his strengths. The publication now describes him as untouchable and a key part of their future.
From Doomed to Untouchable
They stress he is someone whom they want to keep at all costs, which is a far cry from their stance while Amorim was in charge. Sporting were open to selling the player and even negotiated a potential deal with Como. He seemed 'doomed to oblivion', according to the outlet. However, he managed to 'rewrite his own destiny' in a 'turnaround worthy of a cinematic script'. Instead of Fresneda fleeing to Italy, it is his former coach who must now resume his coaching career in southern Europe. Milan have appointed Amorim to replace Massimiliano Allegri at San Siro after missing out on Champions League qualification.
Amorim's New Chapter at AC Milan
The club claims in their statement that, "throughout his career, Amorim has developed a modern, dominant tactical approach with clear player profiles and strong organisational design that develops young players and maximises their potential." The managing partner of Milan's majority owners, RedBird Capital Partners, Gerry Cardinale, added: "We have tracked Ruben for years and his Sporting tenure is extremely impressive and reflects the style of play that we are looking for. He is one of the most prepared and innovative coaches of the new European generation - young, ambitious, and with a modern footballing identity defined by dominating games in possession, a modern pressing system and a clear tactical approach."
Ruben believes in high press attacking football with quick transitions that enable greater goal scoring. His philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision, while his leadership qualities and track record in developing players stood out to us. We believe in Ruben and are excited to welcome him to the Club.
