Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is navigating a challenging first season at Old Trafford, facing scrutiny and pressure to deliver results. In a recent interview, Amorim offered an honest assessment of his goals for the club, stating that "The most important thing is the next game". He acknowledged the volatile nature of football, emphasizing that future success is never guaranteed.
Amorim's journey to Manchester United has been marked by a swift rise in the coaching world. He gained recognition for his tactical acumen and success at Sporting CP, where he implemented a 3-4-3 formation that emphasized defensive solidity and flexible attacking patterns. His possession-based approach, combined with intense pressing, drew comparisons to Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp.
Upon arriving at Manchester United in November 2024, Amorim inherited a team in need of transformation. Despite a disappointing first 11 months, which included a 15th place finish last term, and a Carabao Cup exit against League Two's Grimsby, Amorim has received public backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who committed to giving him three years to prove himself. Amorim welcomed this support but acknowledged the immediate demands of the sport. "I know and Jim knows that football is not like that," Amorim stated, emphasizing the importance of each game.
Amorim's focus on the next game is particularly relevant as Manchester United prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield. United has a poor record at Anfield, with only one win in the past decade. To combat potential problems playing out from the back, Amorim has suggested his players be more direct against Liverpool, utilizing their strength up front with route-one tactics. Despite the challenges, Amorim remains determined to turn things around at Manchester United. He admitted that the pressure he puts on himself often exceeds external expectations. "Sometimes the pressure that I put on myself and the team is often so much bigger than them," he said. He also acknowledged the need for improvement and expressed his commitment to learning and adapting. "Nowadays I can feel more excited," Amorim stated. "I learned a lot. Small things. How to build up (to a game). How to sometimes not be so romantic".
Despite the external pressures and internal expectations, Amorim remains steadfast in his commitment to Manchester United. He stated that he wants to coach only Manchester United. "So I'll fight until the end," he added.
Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will remain Manchester United's first-choice penalty taker, despite recent misses. Ahead of the match against Liverpool, Amorim highlighted Fernandes' impressive penalty record and expressed confidence in his captain's ability to bounce back.
