Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made a candid assessment of his team's current standing, admitting they are not yet ready for the rigors of European football. This comes after a disappointing end to the previous season, where the Red Devils missed out on European qualification following a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in May.
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024, has been open about the challenges he faced in his first few months at the club. The team finished in 15th place in the Premier League last season, their lowest since the 1989-90 campaign. In an exclusive interview, Amorim confessed that the pre-match anxieties were particularly stressful for him. "To tell you the truth, it's not how I returned to my house after the games, it was how I left to go to the games, because I felt that sometimes we will struggle," he revealed.
The Portuguese manager believes that the current squad lacks the necessary depth and preparation to handle the added demands of UEFA Champions League football. He emphasized that the priority must be on continued development before the team can genuinely compete on multiple fronts. "I think we were not ready to play in Europe, that's my feeling," Amorim stated. "To compete in tough Champions League games and then continue in the Premier League, we need time to progress as a team". He added that participation in European competitions would be essential for the players to gain experience once a solid foundation has been established.
In January, Amorim made headlines when he described his team as potentially the "worst in the history" of Manchester United. He later expressed regret for the way he phrased it, admitting he needed to "calm down" and that it was difficult for him to hide his frustration. He clarified that he had shared the same sentiments with the team in the dressing room, emphasizing his responsibility to protect his players, sometimes by saying the right things. Despite the struggles, Amorim has also expressed his desire to stay at Manchester United for a long time, stating, "I want to stay at Manchester United for 20 years. I truly believe in that, it's my goal". He acknowledged that he used up a lot of credit last season but is ready to move forward.
Despite his honest assessment, Amorim remains optimistic about the future. After a win against Aston Villa in the final Premier League match of last season, he told fans that "the good days are coming". He believes in building a strong foundation and is focused on improving the team's competitiveness. While acknowledging his direct approach might have potential negative impacts, particularly on the players, he ultimately aims to balance honesty with the need to protect them. He recognizes that he will make mistakes but is committed to improving and leading Manchester United to success.
