Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim has issued a reality check ahead of their Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield this weekend. The comments come on the heels of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's
interview with The Times last week, where the INEOS billionaire and United co-owner reportedly outlined a patient vision for Old Trafford's revival. The timing is said to be impeccable, Manchester United have mustered just 10 wins in 34 Premier League outings since Amorim's November 2024 arrival from Sporting CP, a win percentage that would embarrass most sides. No back-to-back league victories, no finish higher than ninth after any gameweek this season, it's a statistical apocalypse that has Red Devils supporters, once kings of the world, contemplating pitchforks.
Dismissing Sir Jim Ratcliffe's public vote of confidence in a three-year rebuild as “really good to hear” but ultimately unreliable, Ruben Amorim declared, “I can't bank on three years at Manchester United” In the same interview, Amorim stressed that football's brutal unpredictability trumps any long-term blueprint especially with United mired in a dismal run that has fans baying for blood.
Speaking before their match against Liverpool, Amorim also said the following about the Ratcliffe's private pep talks, “He tells me all the time, sometimes with a message after games. But you know, I know, and Jim knows, that football is not like that. The most important thing is the next game. Even with owners, you cannot control the next day in football.”
During his stint at Sporting CP, Ruben Amorim delivered two Primeira Liga titles in four years
Reports claim that Ruben Amorim’s statement reflects a philosophy of Sporting CP, where Amorim delivered two Primeira Liga titles in four years, but now tested in the Premier League. Chief executive Omar Berrada echoed the adaptation woes earlier this week, admitting, and said, “It has taken far longer for Ruben to adapt than anyone imagined.” Internally, Amorim reportedly insists harmony reigns at Carrington. “I do not feel the uncertainty,” he affirmed, praising a dressing room “fully behind” his methods. “It's really good because it helps our fans understand that the leadership knows it will take a while,” Amorim opined on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s words. “But at the same moment, I don't like it because it gives a feeling that we have time to work things out. I don't want that feeling in our club,” he further added.
From Lisbon's sun-kissed pitches to Manchester's rain-lashed trenches, the cultural chasm is stark. Amorim's 3-4-3 system revolutionary in Portugal has been reportedly picked apart by English pace and physicality. Injuries to key cogs like Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo haven't helped, nor has a squad bloated with Erik ten Hag's misfits. United sit 11th, 12 points adrift of leaders Arsenal, with Europa League progression their only solace. The upcoming slate? With back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and City last season; humiliation at Newcastle; a Spurs thrashing does not presents a good picture.
