Ruben Amorim has vowed to Manchester United fans that he will do everything it takes to bring back the glory days at Old Trafford, despite being unsure if he will be the manager to lead the club back to trophies. His men stunned Liverpool at Anfield, ending years of humiliation in enemy territory with a spirited 2–1 win that sent the away end into ecstasy. The victory on Merseyside has definitely earned him more time in the hot seat, but another dry spell could see sack talk resurface again.
United have sprung back to life under Amorim
United fans left Anfield with a renewed sense of belief as goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire sealed a narrow victory over their fierce rivals. That was preceded by another triumph over Sunderland before the international break, making it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under Amorim's leadership. However, even after the victory, he had his feet firmly planted on the ground and asked his players to keep their heads down and work in training.
"I think they asked me about the top four at the end of the question," he said. "So, I don't want to change so much with the difference of 20 centimetres. If [Cody] Gakpo shot 20 centimetres here, the narrative would be completely different. So, I just want to maintain some calm, some direction in what we are doing. That’s what I mean.
"There is doubts if you are a manager in this kind of club, [and] you don't win a lot of games, people are going to doubt you. And they have reasons for that, but my point of view is that we need to be clear on our path and not changing so much because we win one game, that's all."
AdvertisementAmorim's assurance to Man Utd fans
Since taking charge, Amorim has tried to instil a clear identity at United. He understands that it will take time to win either the Premier League or the Champions League, but he remains determined to walk the difficult path and gradually turn the fortunes of the Red Devils.
"I don't know how long it's going to take. What I can say is that I'm going to do what is the best for the club and that is going to be always my option," he told . "I will not do nothing to save myself and not think about what is best for the club and I think I proved a little bit of that during one year and that is something that I can promise to any fan of Manchester United."
While Amorim has been under intense scrutiny, his biggest backer inside the club remains Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the man overseeing football operations at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe has made it clear that he sees the young Portuguese boss as part of a long-term rebuild, and that knee-jerk decisions are off the table.
"Amorim is a good guy," the INEOS chief said. "I would say Ruben needs to demonstrate that he's a great coach over three years. That's where I would be – three years – because football is not overnight. Look at Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, he had a miserable time the first couple of years."
When pressed about whether the Glazer family could intervene and force Amorim’s dismissal, Ratcliffe’s answer was blunt: "It’s not going to happen."
Amorim walking on thin ice?
Amorim understands that he has the unenviable task of moulding a fractured squad into a cohesive, confident unit. Hence, despite such unwavering public support from the top, he knows that another barren spell might push him towards the exit door.
"If I'm going to be here in the final stage, I don't know," he added. "That is not my concern, but I'm going to do everything to help the club return to that place."
Michael Owen also believes that behind the scenes, Ratcliffe must be more pragmatic. "Behind closed doors, I'm sure he'd have a more realistic view, but in public he must back the manager. That's just how it works in football," he said to .
"If Manchester United lost the next five games, the tone would change, but for now he's doing the right thing by supporting him. I like what he says and his principles. With time, investment, and stability, he can succeed. Some massive managers have failed at that club over the last decade, so at some point you have to stop chopping and changing and just stick with someone. The club has changed everything – managers, facilities, staff, even the boardroom. Now they need stability and time to piece it back together. That’s what Amorim can bring if he’s given the chance."
Getty Images SportBrighton test looms large for Amorim
The next challenge for Amorim’s revitalised side comes in the form of Brighton & Hove Albion, a team currently in blistering form under Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls arrive at Old Trafford unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions, including statement league wins over Chelsea and Newcastle United, and a comfortable Carabao Cup success against Barnsley. Draws with Tottenham and Wolves have further showcased their consistency, leaving them just one point behind United in the table after eight matchdays.
