Ruben Amorim, the manager of Sporting de Lisboa, cannot be so secure. Even after his team’s recent loss in the Europa League final to arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, there is no intention of firing him. In November, the 40-year-old Portuguese coach snapped at the chance to assume control at Old Trafford. By then, the club found themselves sinking down into 13th place on the Premier League table. Since then, he has led the team through a challenging season filled with ups and downs, including three cup competition exits.
The defeat against Tottenham, which saw Brennan Johnson net the winning goal, represents another pivotal game in Amorim’s brief reign. Club officials and major stakeholders have been vocal in their backing of him. They stress that his appointment should be viewed as a long-term project, and not just a stopgap measure.
A Long-Term Vision
Amorim became head coach of Manchester United immediately after Erik ten Hag was dismissed by the Premier League club. Outwardly he seems committed to reshaping the team and establishing a highly competitive culture. Manchester United has thus far struggled this season, sitting 16th in the Premier League. According to club insiders, Amorim’s hold on the job will remain strong, despite Tuesday’s lost cause.
Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw have recently spoken of their support for Amorim’s identity and direction for the club. They’re equally adamant that what will ensure their success going forward is stability and continuity, a critical formula for future success.
“We know for everyone it will be about him bringing back the positivity in the club, trying to bring the club back to fight for trophies, fight for the big trophies. And we all agree that he’s the right man.” – Bruno Fernandes
Shaw has an academic approach to this, too, and believes that Amorim is the perfect man for the job. As he points out, it hasn’t produced the results promised.
“I can say 100 per cent right now he’s the right man. Results have not been good at all. I’ve been here for a long time now and been through different managers.” – Luke Shaw
The players’ faith in Amorim is a sharp rebuttal to the fears expressed by several commentators over the last year about his long-term prospects at the club.
Mixed Reactions from Experts
As much as players have shown their support, analysts such as Paul Merson have doubted Amorim’s desire to join Manchester United. Merson noted that Amorim’s comments about leaving without compensation if he feels unwanted by the board and fans could indicate underlying issues.
“It’s worrying times for Manchester United. I don’t see them finishing in the top half of the table next season,” he said. “To say that about Manchester United is mind-blowing.”
Merson’s remarks highlight concerns over Amorim’s long-term suitability for a club known for its high expectations.
The difference Amorim had predicted the storm to come. He spoke passionately and enthusiastically about getting the club’s historic fortunes reversed.
“There’s so much work to be done at Manchester United. Amorim saw all this coming. He didn’t want to come until the end of the season. He knew there was a lot of work to be done and there’s a lot more now.”
Amorim’s Commitment
Even after losing the Europa League final, Amorim held strong in his desire to go to Manchester United. He doggedly established the precedent that he would not leave his duties behind. He’s been very clear that he’ll need faith and understanding from fans and the board alike as he steers the club through this tempestuous chapter.
“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
There’s no mistaking how serious he made his commitment. If he were to lose the trust of a board member or a fan, he would resign on the spot and not pursue any pay out.
“If the board and the fans feel I’m not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation.” – Ruben Amorim
Amorim’s resolute stance indicates his commitment to turning around Manchester United’s fortunes, despite external pressures and criticism.
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