Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, marks his one-year anniversary in the role with a distinctive trait that has defined his tenure: an unwavering ability to laugh, even in the face of adversity. This characteristic, which shines through regardless of the challenges the team has encountered over the past 12 months, provides a unique insight into his personality and leadership style.

Throughout his first year, Amorim's laughter has been a recurring theme, often surfacing at unexpected moments. In May, during a news conference in Kuala Lumpur where the president of the South East Asia Football Federation was welcoming United, his unique phone alarm inadvertently interrupted the proceedings, leading to an embarrassed but noticeable laugh. More recently, following a defeat against Chelsea, Amorim was asked if even the Pope could persuade him to change his controversial 3-4-2-1 formation – a question he met with a jestful laugh, reiterating his firm stance just a day after declaring that not even the Holy Father could sway him.

His capacity for mirth was also evident last December when he famously delivered his "the storm will come" comments, predicting the difficulties Manchester United would face in implementing his strategic ideas. Even then, he was smiling, underscoring a resilient and optimistic approach to his demanding role, seemingly anticipating the turbulent period ahead with a calm demeanor.

Leading up to Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest, which precisely marked his one-year anniversary, Amorim once again explained this inherent trait. He stated, "It's my character. Also, I know a lot of people want to see me arriving here with a face that [shows] I'm suffering. I like to do the opposite." He emphasized his resolve not to change who he is, adding, "It's how I see things. I live my life like this, always with the feeling something can change." This unwavering positive outlook highlights a coach who finds strength and consistency in his own nature, refusing to yield to external pressures to appear anything other than himself, thereby setting a unique example for his team and the public.