Amorim regret over ‘worst United side ever’ tirade

Jamie Jackson

23 Jan 2025 - The Guardian

Ruben Amorim regrets saying his Manchester United team may be the worst in the club’s history and giving the post-match dressing down that reportedly damaged a television screen.

The head coach claimed that his public comments after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat by Brighton at Old Trafford were aimed more at his underperformance than his players. He also suggested changing-room criticism of his squad had been an error because he does not usually address them after a game.

Reflecting on his press conference remarks, Amorim said: “I was talking more for myself than my players because I was talking that [I am] a coach who starts out losing seven games in the first [15].

“It’s the same players doing worse with a new coach – that is my only concern at the moment. I also talked about how I was not helping my players and if you look at every time you [the media] push about the players [not being] good enough I never put the spot [blame] on my players.

“So I understand I give you that headline and I am frustrated sometimes. Sometimes I should not say it in these terms, but it is what it is. Sometimes it’s really hard to hide the frustration in the moment. But the good thing is I said the same things in a different way in the dressing room five minutes before.”

Amorim wishes he had not spoken to the players straight away. “I’m a young guy and sometimes I make a mistake,” the 39-year-old said. “That’s why I don’t talk after the game. This game I needed to talk and maybe it was a mistake and then I went to the conference really nervous and say things I shouldn’t say.”

Amorim was asked how the squad responded to his comments as he prepared for tonight’s Europa League game at home to Rangers. “The response was normal because I’m really blunt with my players,” he said. “They trained well, they are ready for this game.”

Amorim has said the team are nervous at home and was asked whether putting this thought in players’ minds helps them. “If you want, I can be delusional and say different things,” he said. “I said to the players and I said to you: ‘It’s a good thing to be really honest with you.’ If you want me to say different things – you saw one thing, I saw one thing and I tell you a different thing – I can start to do it. It’s easier for me.

“What I’m saying is that – and [the players] know – you can understand the game, if you are in the stadium, you can understand it. So let’s face it and work on it. But I’m not nervous.”

Alejandro Garnacho is being targeted by Napoli and Chelsea regarding a potential transfer. Although the winger’s preference is for the London club, United’s is for him not to join a domestic competitor. United are reluctant to sell the 20-year-old but need to raise funds to bolster Amorim’s squad.

Marcus Rashford is reportedly of interest to Barcelona but their financial strictures mean players would have to depart the Spanish club first.

If United beat Rangers, then Steaua Bucharest next week, they will be guaranteed last-16 qualification. Greater Manchester police will have an increased presence at tonight’s game. The 2008 Uefa Cup final between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg, played at the City of Manchester Stadium, was marred by violence.