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Last season’s FA Cup final triumph was the highlight of an otherwise dreadful campaign for Manchester United in which they finished eighth and were knocked out of Europe in the group stages.
Changes were in order and while Erik ten Hag survived after a thorough review, his coaches were axed as INEOS brought in a whole new coaching staff to aid the Dutchman.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Rene Hake joined as assistants while Jelle ten Rouwelaar came onboard as the goalkeeping coach.
Andreas Georgson came from Lillestrom as a set-piece coach.
However, results did not improve and eventually, Ten Hag received his marching orders. And after a four-match run as interim boss, Van Nistelrooy was also shown the door after Ruben Amorim arrived.
Georgson on tough start
And along with the former club striker, almost the entire coaching staff left with the exception of Georgson and Darren Fletcher, who has now outstayed four United bosses.
It is clear to see that the Swedish coach is an INEOS hire rather than someone Ten Hag had an input in bringing in. And he revealed in an interview with Skanesport that it was Jason Wilcox who persuaded him to join.
And it has been quite the storm so far. He was asked about the tough times he has faced and how the coaches have coped with all the external pressure put on the club the media.
“We are struggling in 13th place in the league and the pressure around United is enormous! It puts a hell of a lot of pressure on players and coaches.
“I don’t read much of what is written in the media and those of us who are part of the innermost core never really meet supporters or press. We are housed in a completely protected training facility where no media has access to us.
“One effect of that is that a lot of what is written around the club becomes pure guesses and assumptions – therefore you don’t read much of what they write.”
His role
Fans would like to know his exact job role and the former Arsenal and Brentford coach explained in detail.
“I am responsible for fixed situations, individual development and drive the work with our identity as a team together with the head coach.
“My first special competence is set pieces and throw-ins and that is also what we have prioritized during the first period. That’s where I have a unique knowledge bank and a unique method – which has worked in all clubs.
“Over time, we have also laid the foundations for the individual development program and our identity as a team, and slowly I have also started those processes, which is very fun.”
Instructions for United players
On whether the players enjoy his methods, he explained further, “Few think it’s fun to practice. But everyone knows that a third of goals are scored on set pieces.
“I have to be clear to the players. “Less is more” is often true. I’d rather practice fixed situations with full attention for ten minutes than for two hours without commitment. These are details that can statistically decide five table positions up or down.”
He also acknowledged that the team have struggled to score goals and thus he knows the importance of the group trying harder under Amorim to fix things.
“It has turned out exactly as I hoped. A role that is clearly defined. Life is as involved as I hoped for. But we struggle to score goals and take points. My situation is sportingly trying.”
Georgson has been highly-successful in his time in London as well as Southampton and hopefully, he can work in tandem with Amorim to ensure a good end to the season.
