A YOUNG, driven, strategically-minded manager takes the helm at a waning English giant, with the ambition to rekindle the glory days once enjoyed under a legendary, long-serving coach.

For Ruben Amorim, picture Mikel Arteta from five years ago.

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Amorim is poised to confront his first major test as Manchester United‘s new manager at the Emirates on Wednesday – the individual in the home dugout serves as an inspiring example for the Portuguese manager.

The historic rivalry between United and Arsenal reached its zenith during the Premier League era, highlighted by conflicts involving Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, intense confrontations before matches, and fierce battles on the pitch, culminating in the iconic pizza-throwing incident post-match.

From Wenger’s tenure commencing in 1997 through to the Invincibles season seven years later, their dominance played a pivotal role in the Premier League evolving into a celebrated global powerhouse.

However, all this transpired over two decades ago. Following a prolonged decline for Wenger and the retirement of Ferguson, both clubs have experienced a stretch of difficulties.

Can Arsenal-United once again emerge as a premier rivalry under the stewardship of Arteta and Amorim?

Arteta showcased decisiveness, courageously clearing out the lingering egos from Wenger’s final years, including players like Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Spaniard faced substantial hurdles before transforming Arsenal into a formidable title contender two seasons ago.

Amorim too will need to tackle some harsh realities. He may eventually need the same level of patience and belief from Sir Jim Ratcliffe & Co that the Kroenke ownership granted Arteta during his foundational years.

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Revamping United will be a prolonged endeavor. Nevertheless, Arteta’s journey at the Emirates offers invaluable insights — from the difficult decisions regarding established players to the bravery in building a youthful squad and nurturing team unity.

For far too long, United has maintained a semblance of unity in name only.

Ruben Amorim reveals a little-known pre-match training tactic ahead of the 4-0 defeat of Everton

Amorim’s dedication to a 3-4-3 formation is a secondary matter. The primary focus must be on cultivating a winning mentality and establishing true synergy within the team, as exemplified by Arteta.

Essentially, Arteta started anew. Bukayo Saka stands as the only remnant from his first 18-man matchday lineup still at the club.

Reiss Nelson, currently on loan at Fulham, is the only other player remaining in Arsenal’s squad from that 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in December 2019.

Evaluating United’s current lineup — with its lack of specialized wing-backs, absence of dynamic midfielders, and no standout elite forward — it’s easy to envision Amorim undertaking similar extensive changes.

Amad Diallo, a key player in Amorim’s first three games, might evolve into his version of Saka.

Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and new signing Leny Yoro — who may make his debut for United on Wednesday — are all promising young talents poised to support the journey ahead.

However, if five years from now, Amorim is guiding a successful United, it’s probable that Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and several others might not be part of the squad.

There are many similarities between the two rival managers, yet significant differences remain.

Arteta vs Amorim

Mikel Arteta:

• Games managed – 251
• Wins – 152
• Draws – 39
• Losses – 60

Trophies:

• 1x FA Cup
• 2x Community Shield

Ruben Amorim:

• Games managed – 251
• Wins – 180
• Draws – 35
• Losses – 36

Trophies:

• 2x Liga Portugal
• 3x Portuguese League Cup
• 1x Portuguese Super Cup

While Arteta began his journey at Arsenal at 37 with an intimate understanding of the club from his captaincy and extensive Premier League experience, Amorim, now 39, has claimed five trophies over five managerial seasons in his homeland with Braga and Sporting, yet lacks exposure to Europe’s elite leagues.

Both Arteta and Amorim share the necessity for strong personalities to navigate such high-profile roles.

After a gradual start to his tenure against Ipswich, Bodo-Glimt, and Everton, tomorrow’s match will provide Amorim with a genuine measurement of the underperforming, over-scrutinized squad he has inherited from Erik ten Hag.

Sunday’s 4-0 victory against Everton marked his first encouraging result, although the score masked an otherwise lackluster performance.

In contrast, Arsenal, with Martin Odegaard back in a pivotal role, has tallied 13 goals across three consecutive wins, highlighting multiple five-goal victories in away matches.

To some extent, Arteta’s Arsenal embodies what Amorim’s United aspires to achieve.

Nevertheless, the Gunners have not secured a major trophy in four seasons.

This underscores the immense challenge that awaits Amorim.