Ruben Amorim has admitted that his tenure at Manchester United has been far from smooth since taking over the reins just under four months ago.
The Portuguese coach, who made his name with Sporting CP, joined the Red Devils in November when the club was sitting in a disappointing 13th place in the Premier League.
However, the situation has only deteriorated since then, with United now languishing in 14th position after an underwhelming run of form.
A Tough Start at Old Trafford
Amorim’s record since joining Manchester United paints a grim picture. The 40-year-old has overseen 23 matches in all competitions, managing only eight wins while suffering nine defeats.
The Premier League campaign has been particularly challenging, with eight of those losses coming in the league. United’s tally of just 33 points from their opening 27 games is a stark reminder of the club’s ongoing struggles.
Despite the disappointing results, there remains a sense of patience among the Old Trafford faithful.
Former United defender and TNT Sports expert Rio Ferdinand highlighted the supporters’ continued backing of Amorim, even through the tough period. Amorim, however, admitted that this support feels undeserved given the team’s performances.
“I feel that, and at the same time, I’m embarrassed by that,” Amorim told TNT Sports.
“When you look at our performances, it’s hard for me as a coach to take a lot of positives. We have a clear idea in training, but sometimes it doesn’t translate onto the pitch.”
Also Check: Tomas Rosicky Addresses Arsenal Sporting Director Links: No Offer Received Yet
Understanding the Struggles
In an open and honest conversation with Ferdinand, Amorim did not shy away from taking responsibility for United’s struggles.
“I don’t know, it’s my fault,” he said.
“Sometimes we’re so nervous during games, and it shows in the small things the way we move, our understanding of the game, especially at Old Trafford.”
Amorim spoke about the daunting atmosphere at Old Trafford, suggesting that the pressure is weighing heavily on the players.
“Sometimes it feels like the air is heavy.
These things show up in our performances.”
A Different Approach: Coach Over Manager
Amorim’s success at Sporting CP, where he ended the club’s 19-year wait for a league title in 2021 and repeated the feat in 2024, came from his coaching-first approach.
Unlike traditional English managers who often focus on the broader management of the club, Amorim sees himself as a coach who thrives on the training pitch.
“I think training is everything. I’m not a typical manager you often see here in England. I’m a coach,” Amorim stated.
“I need to be on the pitch, to be happy, to transmit my positivity. If I’m not there, it’s really hard.”
This approach could explain some of the early difficulties he’s faced at United, where the manager’s role often extends beyond the pitch to managing egos, handling the media, and navigating the complexities of a club with such high expectations.
The Road Ahead
Manchester United’s wait for a Premier League title is approaching 12 years, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 marking the beginning of a turbulent period for the club.
Six permanent managers have tried and failed to restore United to the top of English football, and Amorim is the latest to take on this monumental challenge.
While the start has been rocky, there are reasons to believe in a brighter future under Amorim. His track record at Sporting CP demonstrates his ability to build successful teams, and if he can transfer his coaching philosophy to the United squad, the results could follow.
However, for this to happen, Amorim will need time a commodity not often afforded to managers at Manchester United.
Patience from the board, the fans, and the media will be crucial if he is to implement his ideas and steer the club back towards the summit of English football.
Ruben Amorim‘s early months at Manchester United have been a stern test of his managerial mettle. His candid admission of the challenges he faces and his willingness to shoulder the blame is a refreshing approach in the often cutthroat world of Premier League management.
While the journey ahead is daunting, with time and support, Amorim might just be the man to bring success back to Old Trafford.
For now, though, the focus remains on improvement one training session at a time, one match at a time as Amorim looks to navigate the storm and guide Manchester United back to where they belong.
