Will 'unexpected' results become a feature?

Monday's papers focus on Amorim's view his players will "suffer" in order to progress

Ruben Amorim asked Manchester United's hierarchy if he could join the club in the summer rather than in mid-season.

United said no.

It is different owners calling the shots at Old Trafford now but their memories wouldn't have to be long to recall the issues created by Ralf Rangnick's ill-fated stint as interim.

Their reasoning for wanting Amorim now are sound.

Similarly, Amorim is one of the most highly rated young coaches in Europe. United chief executive Omar Berrada is a big fan. Going after him also made sense.

The problem is having made the calls, United are now in a position where the new coach is trying to implement a new playing style, knowing there are too many midweek matches looming to allow proper training on shape and positioning, which may lead to unexpected defeats.

As a club, they cannot afford to just toss away seasons as part of a big rebuild. That is not the idea behind bringing someone in like Amorim.

But, at best, it is a calculated gamble.

United dropped two points at Portman Road. They remain in the bottom half of the table. That situation needs to change.