Ruben Amorim Speaks Out on Manchester United’s Challenges and Future Goals

New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that while the club is “massive,” it is currently not performing at the level expected of such a prestigious institution. Despite some improvement since Erik ten Hag’s sacking on October 28, the team remains in 13th place in the Premier League after a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday.

Amorim, who started his tenure on November 11, admitted that the match against Arsenal was a reality check for the team, stating, “We are a massive club, but we are not a massive team. We know it, so there is no problem to say it.” However, he emphasized that this recognition should not lower the club’s ambitions. The Portuguese coach is determined to focus on the details and improve the team over time.

Despite not being one of the top teams in the league at present, Amorim believes that Manchester United’s illustrious history means the expectations remain sky-high. “In our past, our club is maybe the best one in the league. So here we have a problem,” he remarked. “We have to focus on the little details, then we will improve as a team.”

One of the key aspects Amorim wants to address is the intensity of the players’ work ethic. He highlighted that for United to challenge for titles, the players must give everything. “If we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs,” he stated. He emphasized that fitness is vital before the team can truly compete, especially given the number of matches in such a short period since his appointment—11 games in 37 days.

Amorim also stressed the importance of showing appreciation for the supporters, particularly after defeats. Following a controversial incident where Marcus Rashford left the pitch early after the loss to Arsenal, Amorim reinforced the need for players to acknowledge the fans, especially in difficult moments. “We have to do it, especially when we lose. Everyone has to do it. It has to be like that,” he said.

Another sensitive issue came up regarding United’s decision not to wear rainbow tracksuits for the Rainbow Laces campaign due to Noussair Mazraoui‘s refusal to participate on religious grounds. Amorim explained that the decision was made to respect both the club’s values and Mazraoui’s beliefs. He acknowledged the difficulty of balancing such sensitive issues but stated, “I won’t leave Nous alone, we’re a team.”