Lessons Ruben Amorim has learned during first 20 Man Utd games | OneFootball

The hypothesis that Erik ten Hag was the root cause of Manchester United's woes has been emphatically debunked since Ruben Amorim succeeded him in the dugout.

The Red Devils have arguably regressed since the Portuguese coach took charge and have endured several torrid months while he attempts to overhaul the tactical identity forged under previous regimes. It's proven a challenging and vexing experience thus far.

Amorim has overseen 20 matches in charge of the Red Devils and has won just 50% of his duels to date, with eight defeats causing mass concern and frustration among the Old Trafford faithful. To put that into context, Ten Hag won 65% of his opening 20 matches.

Failure is somewhat inevitable as a manger but it's key that mistakes are swiftly rectified and improvements made. So, what has Amorim learned from his start to life with United?

The Premier League is unforgiving

Man Utd have suffered many bruising defeats under Ruben Amorim / DARREN STAPLES/GettyImages

The jump from the Portuguese top flight to the Premier League was never going to be simple to navigate. Even managers who have arrived from Europe's most competitive divisions have been chewed up and spit out by the relentless nature of England's top tier.

Amorim has learned about the trials and tribulations of the Premier League the hard way. Losses to Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers prove just how unforgiving the competition can be, even for club's with enormous financial capabilities and extremely talented footballers. There are no more battles with Boavista and Estoril for the former Sporting CP coach.

Amorim likely knew the scale of the task that faced him and the uber competitiveness of English football, but any illusions that the transition would be simple have been swiftly shattered.

Reinforcements are required this summer

New centre-forward could be required this summer / Michael Regan/GettyImages

Amorim will have had in-depth knowledge of compatriots Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, as well as former Sporting player Manuel Ugarte. However, he may have overestimated the abilities of their United clubmates, many of which will have underwhelmed during his first few months in Manchester.

Like the previous incumbents of his position, Amorim will have swiftly discovered his squad are lacking the necessary quality and that outside reinforcements are desperately needed during the summer transfer window.

Significant funds were not forthcoming during the winter market - Patrick Dorgu was the only major addition - but money will have to be freed up with departures come the end of the season. There are countless areas across the pitch that need urgent bolstering.

Realistically, United will want to recruit a whole host of players. New wingers/inside forwards are required, wing-backs/wide midfielders are vital and central midfielders are essential. A new number nine could be on the cards, too, while additions could also come in defence.

Simply put, a major overhaul is necessary for United to achieve their ambitions.

Tactical progression will take time

Much work needs to be done on the training ground / Carl Recine/GettyImages

There have already been rumours of a revolt within the United dressing room following the confidence-sapping move towards Amorim's preferred tactical system. The 40-year-old has utilised the 3-4-2-1 setup that brought him immense success in Lisbon, a significant deviation from the 4-2-3-1 formation employed by predecessor Ten Hag.

So far, the transition has proved too challenging for his players. United have appeared largely hopeless since making the tactical shift, leaving massive gaps in defence and midfield while looking toothless and disorganised constructing attacks.

Amorim's desire for new signings partially stems from his tactical aspirations, wanting players who will fit the brief. The ability to recruit with his setup in mind will come into play this summer, but he must first get the most from his current squad until the end of the current campaign.

That hard work must come on the training ground and will be a significant test of his managerial credentials. If unable to transform his squad, he may have to become increasingly flexible with his tactics moving forward to avoid the chop.