Ruben Amorim remains unfazed by the possibility of being sacked, even as Manchester United’s struggles continue under his management. The head coach is confident in the support of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe despite a disappointing run of results since taking charge.
A 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace marked United’s seventh loss in 13 Premier League matches under Amorim, leaving the team languishing in 13th place with a negative goal difference. The Portuguese coach had initially preferred to take over in the summer, wary of the difficulties associated with a mid-season appointment. However, after being informed that the role would not be available at the end of the season, he decided to accept the challenge.
Amorim acknowledged that he had warned the board about the risks involved before taking the job. “It’s a little bit harder for me to cope with that [poor results] than the board, because the board already knows [what might happen under him]. I explained all the risks. Everything that has happened I explained to the board [before taking over], and they said the same thing: ‘We need to start now’ [him take the job].
“But I understand at this moment, with a lot of losses, especially at home, the environment is really hard, but I feel the support of the board, if you’re asking that. I’m not the slightest bit worried about that, it’s just the pain of losing that is the hardest thing to cope with.”
One of the defining moments of Amorim’s tenure so far has been his handling of Marcus Rashford. The forward was loaned to Aston Villa in the winter transfer window after spending six weeks out of the squad due to the manager’s decision. With Rashford now under the guidance of Unai Emery, Amorim was asked whether any potential resurgence in form would reflect poorly on him as a coach.
“As a journalist or a fan, you can take this in the way that you want,” he responded. “What I say is I couldn’t put Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it. And sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach and the same player with another coach is different. I just wish the best to Rashford and Unai Emery, and they can connect because he’s a very good player.”
When pressed on whether Rashford had directly expressed disagreement with his methods, Amorim suggested it was more of an unspoken understanding. “You know, like me, it’s not the way that occurs, it’s something that you feel, as a coach and a player,” he explained. “It’s quite normal, it happened with a lot of coaches. The important thing is that I’m here saying it was my decision. And Tyrell [Malacia] and Antony: it was my decision, to do these loans [too].”
Amorim’s tenure has been marked by bold decisions and a willingness to stand by his vision, even in the face of mounting criticism. While results have yet to improve, he remains convinced that his approach is the right one and that the club’s hierarchy is prepared to be patient. However, as losses pile up and pressure grows, the ultimate test of his leadership will be whether he can turn things around before the season slips away.
