Ruben Amorim is set to change approach as Manchester United play our second pre-season fixture, against West Ham at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
In our opening game of the summer, a 0-0 draw with Leeds United in Stockholm, Ruben substituted the entire line-up at half-time, with the players still building match fitness, having returned to Carrington earlier in July.
This time, fans can expect something different.
“We are going to give more time to the starting XI,”
Ruben told club media, discussing how Tour has gone so far after training at Soldier Field in Chicago.
“We are going to make changes during the second half, but we need to give more time, to have that impact in the players. It's important for them to have more time to feel the game, but it's not a decision [about] who's the best starting XI to start against Arsenal. We are going to see things.
“But, of course, we need to give more time because it's not the same to play for just 45. We need to increase the time.”
While the players are still getting up to full match sharpness, it’s been noted by many that the squad is looking noticeably fit and lean, and has done from day one.
“That is really important,”
Amorim reflected.
“When you play in the best league in the world, one of the best clubs in the world, that is the minimum that you have to do. You have to be in perfect condition.
“Then, there's a good thing called competition between them because they know that there is no European games. It's going to be one week preparing for one game. You can just put 11 to start and that is really important in any club, especially in the big club.”
WATCH THE ACTION LIVE ON MUTV
United v West Ham kicks off at 19:00 local time on Saturday night at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which is 00:00 BST on Sunday morning.
The best build-up from Stateside and full live action is on MUTV, with the official channel also being streamed on the United App and ManUtd.com.