Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, is expressing an urgent desire to quickly improve the fortunes of the struggling football club. Since taking over the reins from Erik ten Hag in November, his record has been shaky at best, with only six wins from twenty league matches, further emphasizing the need for immediate action. In light of a recent performance—despite a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest—Amorim detected signs of improvement and believes he is laying essential groundwork for the upcoming 2025/26 season. His words reflect both urgency and optimism about the fundamental changes necessary to revitalize the team.
In a candid moment during a post-match press conference, Amorim stated, “At the moment, it’s still really hard, every day.” He emphasized the players and staff are feeling the pressure of transformation within the club. He underscored that the suffering is collective and palpable, urging that something should be done in the next year to capitalize on the changes currently underway. Amorim also commented, “If not, I have a feeling that all this that is happening in this moment, we are not taking advantage.” His focus is not solely on immediate performance; he is looking at building a foundation for success in the long term.
Acknowledging the stark realities that lie ahead for the club, Amorim noted that their position in the Premier League table indicates a likely absence from European competition next season unless they clinch the UEFA Europa League title. The last time Manchester United missed out on European football was back in the 2014/15 season, a severe dent in the club’s tradition and reputation, making this season’s struggles all the more critical in the eyes of fans and stakeholders.
In light of upcoming matches, especially one against City and then Lyon, Amorim expressed cautious optimism but reiterated that substantial work remains. “Everything, everywhere,” he said, pinpointing the need for improvements across all areas of play, including build-up, transitions, and important decision-making in the final third. He notes that players must develop further, alluding to their potential brought from previous clubs that earned them a seat in Manchester United’s squad. He expressed a belief that while progress is being made—players are becoming more comfortable and starting to make better connections on the pitch—there’s still a mountain of improvements on the horizon.
In addition to these observations, Amorim prudently addressed the reality of his position, stating that if significant changes do not materialize quickly, he might explore opportunities elsewhere. “I’m not naive,” he asserted, pointing out the considerable gap between his team and their rivals. This candid admission reflects a sense of urgency, which he insists is crucial in a club of Manchester United’s stature. He emphasized, “You have to feel that urgency to do something better,” indicating that the pressure of performance is not only on the players but extends to him as well.
Moving onto key player assessments, Amorim took the opportunity to praise captain Bruno Fernandes, drawing parallels between Fernandes’ influence on the club and Mohamed Salah’s impact at Liverpool. Amorim described Fernandes as “our player in that department,” highlighting the critical role he has in influencing matches. He indicated that everyone, including Fernandes, needs to elevate their game further in the coming season, reinforcing the collective responsibility that the players share in this rebirth of the team.
Looking ahead, especially concerning their Europa League confrontation with Lyon, Amorim reiterated the competition’s importance, recognizing it as a pathway to reclaiming a spot in the prestigious UEFA Champions League. “We can reach the Champions League next season, we can win something, so we are going to do everything to try to go to the next stage,” he said, underscoring a commitment to excellence and achievement.
In summary, Ruben Amorim’s leadership journey is marked by an urgent call to action and an optimistic vision for the future. With the pressing need for improvement evident both in their performances and overall positioning, he’s focused on developing a dynamic and competent team capable of reclaiming Manchester United’s stature both domestically and in Europe.