Ruben Amorim was hired for Manchester United in late November. He hopes to reverse the team’s misfortunes. Under his stewardship the club has suffered a relegation dogfight in which they were ultimately relegated. That failure to perform has seen them plummet from 13th to 16th on the Premier League table. The challenge of managing arguably football’s most famous and successful club has never been more intense. In reply, Amorim announced that he would step down if he lost the confidence of board and tifosi.
When Amorim first took on the managerial role at Manchester United, he set out to raise Manchester United’s stock and bring glory back to the club. Sadly, for all of MLS’ growth, the team’s trajectory hasn’t lived up to his hopes and dreams. Under his leadership, they have already experienced three losses in cup competitions. Fast forward to present day, and they find themselves in a perilous league position, facing the very real possibility of not qualifying for European football next season.
Challenges on the Pitch
In an unfortunate early September outing against Tottenham Hotspur’s U23 side, Manchester United lost 1-0. This new disappointment is just the latest in a miserable run for Amorim and his team. The tension is palpable as supporters have taken to booing as a sign of disapproval over the team’s play.
Amorim admitted that challenges lay ahead, but he expressed confidence in his ability to right the ship. In his statements today, he thanked the community for their support and acknowledged the lack of on-field success this year.
“I can only say firstly thank you so much for your support, and secondly we’re very sorry for what they’ve had to go through this season. It’s been nowhere near good enough and I can only apologise for that.” – Ruben Amorim
Even with such a bleak forecast, Amorim said it was important to look at the bright side. He thinks that there’s only one place they can go from where they are now—up.
“We have to look at the positives and the only positive is we can only go up from here. We’re at rock bottom now, we have to find a way to drive ourselves back and get back to where this club deserves to be.” – Ruben Amorim
Support from Players
Amidst the storm, battlers like Luke Shaw have come down on the side of Amorim. They point out, with very straight faces, that he remains the best man to lead Manchester United. Shaw was vocal in his displeasure following the recent results, but still felt Amorim had the tools to succeed.
“We’re all gutted, it’s not how we saw the outcome to be honest,” – Luke Shaw
Shaw made it crystal clear that the kind of change he wants to see is precisely the reason he chose Amorim for the job.
“I can say 100 per cent right now he’s the right man.” – Luke Shaw
This support from all the right players will go a long way toward stabilizing the ship as Amorim still has to steer through some pretty rocky waters.
The Path Forward
Amorim is becoming increasingly worried by Man Utd’s continued woes on the pitch. He’s put out a pretty strong signal that he would leave if he no longer feels welcome. He promised, “If the board and fans don’t think I’m their best choice then I’ll resign the next day.” His refusal to back down from his approach shows a faithfulness to his vision, and his long-game approach to leading an institution.
“But I will not quit again. I am confident in my job. As you see, I will not change anything in the way I do things.” – Ruben Amorim
In his mission to bring back the glory days to Manchester United, Amorim requires belief from fans and board members alike. Amorim demands. And he’s keenly aware that he has not yet established his case for value. Even so, he refuses to back down on his long-term vision for the club’s future.
“In this moment, I am not here to defend myself. It’s not my style. I have nothing to show to the fans. In this moment [I need] a little bit of faith.” – Ruben Amorim
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