Ruben Amorim has firmly denied ever having discussions with Manchester City about taking over as their manager, despite being linked to the role amid speculation over Pep Guardiola’s future. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach, who has garnered significant acclaim for his work at Sporting CP, was appointed as Manchester United’s manager in late October after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. At the time, Amorim had been rumored as a potential candidate to replace Guardiola at City, particularly with Sporting’s director of football, Hugo Viana, set to join City in a similar role next summer. However, Amorim made it clear that his only ambition was to join United, and he had never entertained the idea of moving to City.
Amorim’s statement came after Guardiola put an end to the rumors surrounding his future by signing a contract extension at City until 2027. This decision came despite City’s ongoing struggles, with the team enduring one of their worst runs of form since Guardiola took charge in 2016. City’s recent form, including a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League, has led some to question whether this could be an opportune time for United to face them. However, Amorim does not subscribe to this notion. He stressed that he never thinks about the timing of facing a team like City, focusing instead on improving his own squad.
For Amorim, the priority is clear: improving Manchester United’s performance. United have faced a challenging season, with back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest leaving them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League. Amorim has acknowledged the need to address various issues within the team, and he is determined to focus on what his side can control. While the upcoming Manchester derby is a significant fixture, Amorim remains focused on his team’s development rather than dwelling on City’s struggles. He emphasized that, despite their current form, City remain a formidable opponent, one capable of bouncing back at any moment.
The challenge facing Amorim is to instill confidence and consistency into a United side that has been inconsistent so far this season. He is not viewing the derby as a traditional high-stakes clash between two top teams competing for the title. Instead, he sees it as just another game, albeit against a strong opponent. His primary concern is improving United’s overall performance, not only in terms of tactics but also in terms of mentality and confidence. Amorim has made it clear that he is not caught up in the idea of a “weakened” City, and he remains fully aware of the quality that Guardiola’s team possesses, even during a rough patch.
One of the areas that Amorim is particularly focused on is the form of goalkeeper André Onana. The Cameroonian goalkeeper had a shaky start to his United career last season but had managed to recover and establish himself as the team’s first-choice keeper. Recently, however, Onana’s form has dipped again, and his mistake in United’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen where a poor pass led to the opening goal has raised further questions. Amorim, however, remains supportive of his goalkeeper, acknowledging that Onana has been through similar situations in the past. The coach is committed to working with Onana to help him regain his best form and ensure that the team can rely on him when needed.
Despite the challenges, Amorim’s focus remains on getting the best out of his players and guiding them through a difficult period. The team has struggled for consistency, but Amorim is determined to work through these issues, both tactically and mentally, to improve results. He has stressed that his approach is to focus on the details and build a stronger foundation for the team’s future performances. The upcoming derby, while important to United’s supporters, is just another opportunity for Amorim to assess his team and continue the process of improvement.
In the bigger picture, Amorim’s arrival at United is part of a broader effort to bring stability and progress to the club after a turbulent period under Ten Hag. United’s struggles this season are not solely the result of Amorim’s appointment, but rather the culmination of a range of factors, including squad issues, injuries, and the challenges of adapting to a new managerial philosophy. Amorim is aware of the expectations that come with managing a club of United’s stature, and while the team’s current position in the league is disappointing, he remains focused on the long-term goal of returning the club to a competitive level.
As Amorim prepares for his first Manchester derby, he is determined not to get distracted by external narratives. His goal is simple: improve the team, address the issues at hand, and continue to build towards a brighter future for United. The derby is a crucial match, but for Amorim, it is just another step in the journey of restoring Manchester United to its former glory.
