Ruben Amorim has cut a figure as cold as January 2025 – in England, anyway – since becoming Manchester United’s new head coach. The Portuguese boss has refused to get carried away by his side’s triumphs, knowing that in his project’s infancy, banana skins are around every corner, and poor results are unavoidable.

Amorim caught fans’ attention when he criticised United’s performance moments after beating Everton 4-0 in his first Premier League home game.

He was equally level-headed during victories against Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen and after a widely praised draw at Liverpool.

It was impossible to contain his delight at Amad’s late heroics to snatch a derby day win over Manchester City, offering his bench a passionate yet reserved fist pump.

But Amorim reverted to displaying little emotion throughout United’s whirlwind FA Cup third-round success against Arsenal, won on penalties after playing over 70 minutes with 10 men.

On Thursday night, the 39-year-old shared the demeanour of the 73,000-plus supporters bewildered by the hosts’ woeful performance against rock-bottom Southampton.

The Saints – with just one win and six points all Premier League season – ran United ragged and deservedly led 1-0 heading into the 81st minute. It could’ve been two or three.

Then Amad displayed why he has earned a new long-term contract at Old Trafford until 2030, why he has been the poster boy of Amorim’s rebuild thus far, and why he is the name on everyone’s lips.

A 12-minute hat-trick – the first of his professional career and first by a United player since Cristiano Ronaldo’s grand return – sparked the Stretford End roar.

It also sparked something in his head coach. Amorim’s animated celebration (by his standards) spoke volumes about how significant the latest ‘Amad-ness’ – as it’s being termed – was.

Defeat at home to statistically one of the worst sides in Premier League history, without scoring, no less, would’ve been a permanent black stain on his record.

However, one of Amorim’s most trusted players bailed him out when he needed it most, and he will hope United don’t find themselves in the same situation when Brighton visits on Sunday.

After full-time, the Red Devils boss remembered his public persona by offering a grounded assessment of Amad’s impact.

“He needs to continue. In football, one day, you’re a really good player. The next day, you have to do it all over again. That’s the spirit we need to have in this team,” Amorim explained.

“We’ve won one, scored three goals, and need to prepare for the next match. But he did a great job, even during the game [before his goals]. He has a lot to improve.”