Ruben Amorim’s debut season at Old Trafford was nothing short of disastrous. Taking over mid-season after Erik ten Hag’s departure, he faced a team in disarray, lacking direction and unity. A dismal 15th-place finish, the worst in over 50 years, was the bitter outcome. In an interview with The Times, Amorim confessed that the final weeks were agonizing.
“The toughest part was going into games knowing we wouldn’t be competitive,” he revealed. The uncertainty and anticipation of failure weighed heavily on him.
However, just over two months since United’s last-day victory against Aston Villa, Amorim exudes newfound confidence. The US tour has fostered a collective mindset among the remaining squad members, while internal changes are bringing much-needed structure to the club.
“I’m more optimistic now. I’ve learned a lot, even from small things,” Amorim shared. He believes in the team’s potential and his growth as a coach, which he believes will propel United to improvement this season and beyond.
Some players didn’t fit his vision and were moved on. Marcus Rashford was loaned to Barcelona, while Antony, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho trained separately and are expected to depart. Despite disagreements, Amorim holds no grudges, acknowledging that sometimes relationships don’t click.
On the other hand, those who stayed have embraced the challenge. Amorim sees potential not only to return to European competitions but also to compete for Premier League and Champions League titles. His optimism stems from a cultural shift he initiated within the club.
“The culture change is a club-wide effort, not just my responsibility,” he explained. “We’ve made improvements in every area—medical, nutrition. We have new rules.” These rules aim to promote professional accountability, not to infantilize the players.
Amorim has established a leadership group led by Bruno Fernandes and including experienced players like Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Tom Heaton, Lisandro MartÃnez, and Noussair Mazraoui. This structural change is crucial for his long-term rebuilding plan.
Despite facing challenges last season, Amorim never considered walking away. “It took me five years to choose this club,” he said. “I don’t want to fail. That’s the only pressure I feel.”
His strong relationships with key figures within the club, such as technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada, ensure his stability. His rapport with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’s figurehead and part-owner, is particularly noteworthy.
Results are paramount, and while friendly wins have boosted morale, a tough test against Arsenal awaits on opening day. Amorim emphasizes the need for emotion in the team to drive sacrifice, pace, and energy.
With no European distractions, Amorim sees this as a foundational year to set standards for the future. He remains focused on fixing United’s issues before contemplating closing the gap with rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Amorim’s unwavering belief in United’s potential is evident despite a rocky start. If his actions align with his words, Manchester United’s quest for stability may finally be within reach.
