“Ruben Amorim Claims Taking Man United Job Mid-Season Allowed His Side to Avoid ‘Suffering’ – Despite Europa League Final Defeat and Dire Premier League Campaign.”

“Ruben Amorim Claims Taking Man United Job Mid-Season Allowed His Side to Avoid ‘Suffering’ – Despite Europa League Final Defeat and Dire Premier League Campaign.”

 

 

 

Ruben Amorim Claims Taking Man United Job Mid-Season Allowed His Side to Avoid ‘Suffering’ – Despite Europa League Final Defeat and Dire Premier League Campaign

 

Ruben Amorim has broken his silence following the end of Manchester United’s rollercoaster 2024–25 season, stating that his decision to join the club mid-season was “crucial” in preventing deeper suffering and long-term damage to the squad—even as the team fell short in the Europa League final and endured one of their poorest Premier League campaigns in the post-Ferguson era.

 

In a candid post-season press conference, Amorim reflected on the turbulent months since taking over from Erik ten Hag in March. While results on the pitch failed to spark immediate resurgence, the Portuguese coach defended his appointment’s timing and claimed the short spell gave him essential insight into the club’s fractured culture, tactical imbalance, and off-field dysfunction.

 

“This was not about rescuing the season,” Amorim said. “It was about diagnosing it. By stepping in when I did, we avoided more suffering—suffering in the long term. I saw things that needed change, not just results. We have already started the healing process.”

 

A Grim Premier League Campaign

 

Manchester United finished the Premier League season in a dismal 8th place, missing out on Champions League qualification for the second year running. The team’s performances were riddled with inconsistency, defensive frailty, and a lack of attacking cohesion—issues that plagued Ten Hag’s tenure before Amorim’s arrival.

 

Although Amorim oversaw a slight uptick in form and a more organized shape, the damage had already been done. The Portuguese manager managed only 4 wins from 10 league matches, not enough to push United into the top six. The final day defeat to Brighton underlined the steep mountain he faces in turning the club around.

 

Despite the dismal finish, Amorim emphasized that inheriting the squad mid-season allowed him to make informed judgments heading into a vital summer.

 

“If I waited until June, I would have relied on videos, stats, and second-hand assessments,” Amorim said. “Now, I have seen it with my own eyes—how the players train, how they respond to setbacks, what we’re lacking in character. It’s painful, yes. But it’s valuable.”

 

Europa League Heartbreak

 

United’s one bright hope for silverware under Amorim came in the Europa League. Against the odds, the team made it to the final in Dublin, sparking belief that a trophy could salvage an otherwise forgettable campaign. But a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen—undefeated under Xabi Alonso—left the squad empty-handed once again.

 

In the aftermath of the loss, critics questioned Amorim’s tactical setup, particularly his decision to bench Rasmus Højlund in favor of a more cautious 3-4-2-1 formation that stifled United’s attack.

 

“I accept responsibility for the result,” Amorim admitted. “We tried to manage their strengths with caution, but in the final third, we lacked the boldness needed. That is on me. But it also showed who is ready to take the step forward and who is not.”

 

The defeat also means United will only participate in the UEFA Conference League next season—hardly the stage a club of their stature aims for. Still, Amorim framed the experience as a learning curve rather than a collapse.

 

Culture Shock and Dressing Room Reality

 

One of the most striking aspects of Amorim’s early tenure has been his emphasis on culture. Known at Sporting CP for building disciplined, motivated squads with a strong work ethic, Amorim found Old Trafford a very different environment.

 

“Here, we have many talented players,” he said. “But not always the right habits. There are moments where players must suffer together—run harder, track back, put ego aside. That was missing. Changing this culture is priority number one.”

 

Reports have emerged of dressing room unrest, with several senior players unhappy about benchings and increased tactical demands. Amorim, however, has shown little interest in appeasement.

 

“I don’t care about status. I care about what you do on the pitch and in training. Reputation does not play football,” he said bluntly.

 

This new approach signals a seismic shift from previous regimes, many of which were accused of catering too heavily to individual player power.

 

Summer Overhaul Incoming

 

Amorim confirmed that the summer will be “ruthless,” with United preparing to offload up to a dozen players and bring in several new faces—especially in midfield and defense. The club’s hierarchy, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, is fully backing Amorim’s restructuring plans.

 

“There will be departures. Some will surprise you,” Amorim warned. “But I promise every player who wears the badge next season will be here because they want to fight for Manchester United, not because of contracts or comfort.”

 

Names like Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire, and Anthony Martial are all expected to be moved on. Amorim has reportedly submitted a list of targets, including João Neves of Benfica, Morten Frendrup of Genoa, and a new right-sided center-back to partner Lisandro Martínez.

 

Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund are the three players viewed as foundational to the rebuild.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Amorim’s early months have been a baptism of fire, but there is a growing sense that the Portuguese coach has a clear vision—even if the execution has yet to take off. His willingness to challenge underperforming stars, change the club’s tactical framework, and emphasize long-term planning over short-term results has struck a chord with many within Carrington.

 

Still, the pressure will be immense. Manchester United are a club not accustomed to patience, and fans, while accepting of transition, will demand signs of progress early next season.

 

“The fans have been incredible,” Amorim said. “They want results, yes, but they also want a team that reflects the values of this club—fight, pride, unity. That’s what we’re going to build.”

 

Final Thoughts

 

Despite the Europa League heartbreak and a woeful league showing, Ruben Amorim remains steadfast in his belief that taking the Manchester United job mid-season was the right call. In his view, those bruising weeks were necessary to truly understand the scope of the challenge ahead.

 

He didn’t deliver silverware in his first months. He didn’t fix the league position. But in his words, he prevented something worse: the prolonging of a broken system.

 

“The suffering of today will spare us greater suffering tomorrow,” Amorim concluded. “Now we can begin the real work.”

 

 

—

 

Let me know if you’d like a versio

n adapted for publication, fan blog use, or with embedded data/statistics.