Rúben Amorim took over as coach of Manchester United in November and was part of the worst season since 1974. He looks back on the past season with honest words.
Rúben Amorim took over Manchester United in November in 13th place with the hope of improvement. Instead, the Red Devils finished the season in a sobering 15th place. Amorim spoke about the past season at a press conference.
The 40-year-old was aware from the start that his job would not be easy: “I already knew that we would have problems. I felt that before the games, even when I left my house.”
Rúben Amorim speaks about a historically bad Manchester United season
“That was the hardest part: going to the games and knowing that we weren’t competitive, that we wouldn’t live up to our expectations. When I came home, I was really frustrated,” the Portuguese continued.
The pressure and disappointment of the fans were palpable: “The expectation was very high. I felt that people were disappointed in me.”
Worst season in 50 years
The English record champions played their worst season in 50 years. In the past season, the Red Devils suffered 20 competitive defeats. They reached this negative value precisely through the defeat in the Europa League final.
Amorim had many “hard moments” in which he “had to persevere to the end”. Over time, the belief in better phases faded, which led to him being “very, very frustrated.”
Rúben Amorim narrowly missed out on the Europa League title
One of the reasons for the lack of success was personnel worries: “I sometimes only let players play for 60 minutes to protect them. But that’s not possible at Manchester United – you shouldn’t think like that as a coach.”
The fact that the former midfielder took over as coach during the season meant that he had no time for major changes: “It needed a complete new beginning and I didn’t have time for that.”
“The coach can’t do everything alone”
But he continued: “As coach of Manchester United, there is no time to wait. It’s like going into a boxing match with your arms crossed.”
Many important players have been missing in the past due to injuries – including Tyrell Malacia, Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo. Or even bad luck Luke Shaw, who injured himself again just two games after his comeback.
Overall, Amorim would have liked more support from his colleagues and from the club: “The coach can’t do everything alone.”
This has apparently improved in the new season: “Today we are better organized and everyone knows what they have to do.” He also continues to plan: “I have to work more closely and intensively with the people around me. We all have to go in the same direction. That only works as a team.”
Matheus Cunha comes to Manchester United as a great hope
During the summer break, the United coach was also able to make new transfers and sign players with more time. Above all, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo (both for around 75 million euros each), two new top players came.
United not in Europe: an advantage?
“I am very satisfied with the players we have brought in. They have already proven themselves in the Premier League, bring the right physicality and the right character,” Amorim explained contentedly.
For the next season, the former Sporting coach plans: “We finally need emotions in the team again, more cohesion, more pace, more energy.”
He sees missing out on European competition as helpful: “It also gives us the time to build something and live up to the values and expectations of the club.”