Once the players completed those tests, training began on immaculate grass, under both bright sunshine and the instruction of a coaching staff looking rejuvenated in fresh white training gear. Ruben brought the energy just as much as his players.
Competing in a rondo with the younger group — made up of Amad, Tyler Fredricson, Shea Lacey, Diego Leon, Bendito Mantato and Reece Munro — the boss got stuck in and ensured the standard was high. Alongside the Academy players, who have had these training opportunities before, Leon looked eager to impress, showing a great intensity which earned a big beam from Amorim.
Players often look back on their first day of training at United and recall the intensity and quality – and this was an intense session. Ruben made an effort to use some Spanish phrases with Leon, too. The Paraguayan full-back is making good strides in his English, but will have appreciated that.
Leon and fellow new signing Matheus Cunha appeared to settle in quickly, with the latter’s finishing impressing. He already seemed at ease with his new teammates.
After the rondos, the session progressed to tactical instruction on the full-sized pitch. This, after all, is what the players and coaching staff have clearly been waiting for: time to work, to learn, and to improve. That was at a serious premium last season with such a packed schedule, but now Ruben has a full pre-season to get his message across with further detail than before. Let’s hope we see the results throughout the coming months.
