Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, claims he was concerned for what would happen to his team when he attended games last year.
Amorim revealed for the first time to reporters who are accompanying United on their pre-season tour of the United States how depressed he is to be presiding over United’s worst season since the 1973-1974 relegation campaign.
United’s Premier League season finished 15th, which is their lowest league position since 1989-1990.
Amorim, who took over as manager in November 2024 after Erik ten Hag was fired, oversaw a run of seven victories from 27 league games, including the storied Europa League final defeat suffered by Tottenham in Bilbao.
After repeatedly losing four games in a row and eventually winning only three of their 11 matches, Amorim said it was the most stressful before the game, and he was asked how he felt when he returned home to see his wife and young family.
To be honest, he said, “I left to go to the games, not how I returned to my house after the games,” because he believed that sometimes we will struggle.
“I felt the pain we had playing games before,” she said. The hardest part was that.
I was very frustrated when I realized we were going to the games and that we weren’t going to be competitive.
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Amorim covered a wide range of topics in a 25-minute, in-depth interview with the Chicago Fire training facility, including:
Amorim’s refusal to change his tactical approach was consistently criticized during the dark months of the last season.
He said, “Sometimes, when you are losing, you might think we can adjust the standards a little so that they can be with me [the players],” he said.
They saw it, and I didn’t, too. They now know that I will say something when I say it.
The players are not treated like young children by me. However, they now have regulations that can alter how you train.
I always have the upper hand. I have footage to show you if you don’t train the right way. And I present you to everyone.
To uphold standards in the dressing room and deal with the “small things,” Amorim has appointed a leadership group consisting of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Tom Heaton, Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui.
This is not an easy situation to reach.
Amorim acknowledges that there were instances last season when he questioned whether he had left Portuguese club Sporting, where he had established himself and received his hero accolades, in the middle of the season.
He didn’t go looking for assurances. Keeping his job suffices, in the opinion of Amorim.
Try to remember a small, medium-sized team that lost so many games but the manager carried on with their duties, he said.
Amorim in coping with pressure
I didn’t experience the greatest stress in my life at this time. Due to injuries, I had to end my professional sports career very quickly, he said.
“I can remember that my wife and I both had an Excel spreadsheet full of everything I need and want. My family needs my assistance. At that time, I felt pressure.
It’s more of an ego thing now, according to the author. I want to take over as Manchester United’s manager for some time.
It took me five years to choose this club. I’m not interested in failing.
Amorim and Ratcliffe had sarcastic exchanges.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, described Amorim as “an outstanding young manager,” in a statement released in March.
We speak on the phone, Amorim said, “He sends me messages, he sends me gifs,” “I’m] joking,” he said.
“Jim’s dealing with him is very simple. You’ll be fine if you have the knowledge to explain any decision.
I am aware that he is the club’s owner, and I am familiar with my place. But I’m very direct when I need to say something.
Amorim’s season squad and goals
On Wednesday, the team will go back to Carrington for training. The main squad’s unintentional quartet of Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrrell Malacia will continue to practice at various times.
Garnacho is a very talented boy. However, “Amorim explained that sometimes things don’t work out.”
You are unable to specifically describe what it is. He clearly has a different leadership and wants something different.
They desire fresh challenges. The market is open. Simply put, I’m collaborating with the players who I believe will stay.
Amorim’s season goal is simple.
“Manchester United is the difference, but I know it’s a big gap from where we finished.” He remarked, “We need to go back to Europe.”
Beyond that, perhaps? Can United reclaim the Premier League and Champions League?
Amorim remarked, “I don’t have any doubts.”
“Pedigree, history, and fans are some things you can’t buy about this club,” he said. Without the Champions League, we wouldn’t have money.
How has the pre-season so far turned out?
Although it is still early, Amorim’s strategy is working.
In a 4-1 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday, United looked effective, energised, and occasionally exciting with a starting lineup that kept nine of the team’s performances so poorly in Bilbao.
Luke Shaw is fit and performing at a level that made him an automatic selection for England, and Patrick Dorgu excelled in the left-handed wing-back role.
Rasmus Hojlund has a clear-cut role in United’s desire to sell him for £30 million, despite his lack of purpose and confidence.
United will return home with a perfect record after three games in the United States if they defeat Everton in Atlanta.
In the boardroom, Amorim has a following. In the Old Trafford stands, he also has it. Fans have been chanting his name all season long, and Amorim has promised to improve it.
He said, “If I say something, it’s because I think it’s true.” The outcomes cannot be controlled by us. However, we will always do those things regardless of how we play, how we perform, how we interact with fans, or any other minor things.
“It was all I had used last year,” I said. We must now carry out.
“We’ll be okay if I have the feeling that we’re going to be competitive before the game,” he said.
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