Key Highlights
- Ruben Amorim acknowledges mistakes made by Manchester United.
- Cristiano Ronaldo criticizes the club’s structure and performance.
- Amorim emphasizes looking towards the future rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
- Manchester United finished 15th in Premier League last season, their worst since 1974.
Background and Current State of Manchester United
The recent controversies surrounding Manchester United have brought renewed attention to the club’s performance. Ruben Amorim, appointed as head coach in November 2024, has led the team through a challenging period. Despite efforts to improve, Manchester United faced significant criticism during their last Premier League season.
Amorim’s Response to Criticism
In an interview with Piers Morgan, former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo addressed Amorim directly, stating that while he believed the Portuguese coach was doing a good job, “he cannot work miracles.” Ronaldo highlighted concerns about the club’s structure and suggested they were not on a good path. This came after his contract termination in November 2022 due to criticism of then-manager Erik ten Hag.
Amorim’s Forward-Looking Approach
Amorim, who is nine days older than Ronaldo, responded by focusing on the future rather than past mistakes. “We know as a club we made a lot of mistakes in the past,” Amorim said during an interview with reporters. “Let’s not focus on what happened.” He emphasized that changes were being implemented to improve player behavior and structure within the team.
Recent Performance and Future Prospects
In recent matches, Manchester United have shown signs of improvement, winning three out of their last four league games. However, they remain eighth in the Premier League table, lagging behind their expectations. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains supportive, giving Amorim a period to prove his capabilities.
Amorim’s Challenges and Support
Amorim took over Manchester United at a critical time, leading them to last season’s Europa League final but failing to secure the trophy. The team’s poor performance in Premier League resulted in their worst finish since 1974, finishing 15th. Despite financial investments exceeding £200 million, the club struggled with form and results.
Amorim faces an uphill battle as he seeks to stabilize Manchester United’s fortunes.
With support from key stakeholders like Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Amorim hopes to turn the club around over a three-year period. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether his vision for the team can succeed.
