Jim Ratcliffe brings legendary American athletics coach to Man Utd to make flops ‘run like mad dogs’ for Ruben Amorim
MANCHESTER UNITED have brought in one of the world’s leading athletics coaches in a bid to boost their season, according to reports.
Ruben Amorim‘s side have flopped to 12th in the table following a run of dodgy form.
But in an effort to boost the second half of the season, Amorim has brought in legendary track and field coach, Harry Marra.
Marra, 78, was named the World Athletic’s coach of the year in 2016 after helping fellow American, Ashton Eaton to Olympic decathlon gold in 2016, which was a follow-up of a win in 2012.
He has also served as the speed and fitness consultant for the Major League Baseball team San Francisco Giants.
Now, according to The Times, Marra is sharing his expertise with fitness and coaching staff at Carrington after Amorim reportedly had issues with body-fat levels on his stars.
This arrangement sees him in direct contact with Man Utd’s interim performance director, Sam Erith, and is set to last for a few weeks.
New-York-born Marra’s insight will mainly lend itself to speed and endurance training, two things which are vital in Amorim’s high-octane system.
Amorim famously said he wants his players to run like “mad dogs”.
In December, the Man Utd manager said: “It’s very clear. If you want to win the Premier League, you have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to do it, that is clear.”
The Athletic claims several stars have considered the use of personal trainers to provide guidance on running given the major demands put on them by Amorim’s style of play.
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Marra’s world-renowned techniques include breaking down movements into mechanisms that follow specific principles.
Under Marra’s tutelage, Eaton twice broke the world decathlon record and became only the third man to defend his Olympic crown in the event.
He has also worked with Brianne Theisen, a world and Olympic medalist in the heptathlon, who is also married to Eaton. Marra officiated the couple’s wedding.
Marra also coached Lalu Muhammad Zohri when he became the first Indonesian to win any kind of medal at the World Junior Championships when he took gold in the 100m in 2018.
Speaking about his methods, he told the Santa Barbara Independent: “You have to listen to the athlete.”
Who is Harry Marra?
Harry Marra is a legendary track and field coach with unrivalled success that has earned him guru-like status
Born in New York, Marra started out as a pole vaulter at Christian Brothers Academy before studying a B.S. Degree at Mount Saint Mary’s University and his master’s degree from Syracuse University.
He got his first head coaching job at Springfield College before coaching at San Francisco State University from 1981 to 1993 while also serving as a speed and fitness consultant with the San Francisco Giants.
From 1990 to 2000 he was the All-American National Decathlon Coach.
He would eventually become Ashton Eaton’s fitness coach, who would go on to become a double Olympic and world decathlon champion, becoming only the third man to defend the Olympic title.
Eaton also twice broke the decathlon world record.
Marra also worked with Brianne Theisen, Paul Terek, Sheldon Blockburger and four other 8,000-point decathletes; Brian Brophy, Paul Foxon, Bart Goodell and Chris Wilcox.
His exploits in helping Eaton win the decathlon at the Rio Games in 2016 saw him voted World Athletic’s coach of the year.
In 2018 he guided Lalu Muhammad Zohri to become the first Indonesian to medal at the World Junior Championships when he took gold in the 100m.
Marra was ranked No.1 in a ranking of the top 10 Track and Field coaches of all time by Sportsfoundation.org.
And now he is lending his expertise to staff at Man Utd.
Marra later added in an interview with Chasing the Standard on YouTube: “It all starts with the initial movement of the part of the skill, so that if the initial movement is correct, then at least you have a chance to complete the skill correctly.
“So I put a focus on teaching the skills, understanding what the demands of the skills are, and then showing how to start and carry on the runway.”
He has already been seen visiting Old Trafford, having been seen sitting in front of Sir Alex Ferguson while wearing a United tracksuit.
Man Utd often industry-leading practitioners to share their insights to enhance the knowledge of those at the club.
This season the club have hosted several expert-led events covering issues such as medical and injury management, movement mechanics, nutrition and strength training.
Man Utd’s next game is against FCSB in the Europa League.
MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleys
MANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.
Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.
Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.
Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.
Andre Onana – 7
Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.
Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham‘s main attacking threat.
Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.
Matthijs de Ligt – 8
Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.
Harry Maguire – 9
A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.
Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.
His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.
Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.
Amad Diallo – 6
Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.
He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.
Alejandro Garnacho – 3
Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.
He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.
Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.
Subs:
Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6
A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5
Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.
Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6
Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6
Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.
A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.
Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6
Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet.