New Delhi: Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted that the start of his tenure at Old Trafford has been the most intense phase in his career whilst being “the most special” at the same time. The 40-year-old took over the reins of United after Erik ten Hag was sacked at the end of October.
When Amorim took over, the club was placed 14th and since taking over, the Red Devils have faced six Premier League defeats, which is the worst start for any manager at Old Trafford since 1932. Before coming to United, Amorim was in charge of Sporting CP and had led the side to two league titles in four years.
When the Portuguese manager was asked if his spell at United so far was the most intense part of his career, Amorim replied that along with that it was also “special”. Amorim noted that leading the Red Devils was always going to be an “exciting adventure” due to the calendar United had and had little time for preparation.
Amorim felt that while there were some challenges that he and his staff had already predicted some of the “challenges” the depth of the troubles only became more obvious during the course of the defeats.
Amorim has openly criticised the team and even echoed his views that the team might get relegated after losing to 2-0 Newcastle in December. After the side’s 3-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion, Amorim had called United the “worst side” in its history. Amorim though later took back his words and on both occasions, the side made good recoveries. United have now won their last two games across competitions.
Amorim felt that the side’s current place in the Premier League table is horrid and that is a situation that the side needs to be aware of. He doesn’t look at the table but more towards how the team is performing per se and what can be done to improve the side’s performance.
Ruben Amorim’s demand from his team
Amorim feels the team has a pathway that they can look up to and work towards. While they may be “frustrated” getting support from their fans means that they are headed in the right direction. The former Sporting manager was in the spotlight earlier this week after slamming out-of-favour Marcus Rashford for his work ethic and not giving his everything.
🚨🚫 Marcus Rashford has been left out of Manchester United squad again for Europa League game too. pic.twitter.com/DgobrD27b4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
Rashford hasn’t played since December and has been missing from the squad for 11 consecutive games. He had back then said that he wants a player who is giving his everything both in games and in training.
Amorim has said it isn’t a message to his players but felt that players needed to meet the high standards and demands expected of them. Amorim reiterated that “criteria” had to be matched for a team to succeed consistently.
Amorim explained Casemiro’s prolonged absence due to the Brazilian having his intelligence and game understanding to offer. Amorim felt due to the difference in the intensity of the games in domestic and European championships that Casemiro’s selection despite his quality has often not materialised.
Ruben Amorim confessed that he was aware of the challenges he would face at Old Trafford and feels the team together is heading towards the right direction. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
