Ruben Amorim says he has “no regrets” about taking the Manchester United job, despite a nightmare start to life at Old Trafford that has left the club languishing in 15th place.
The Portuguese coach, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag, has managed just six Premier League wins and is already set to record the lowest points tally in the club’s Premier League history. United now face a tough trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, still fighting to avoid their worst league finish since the 1973-74 relegation season.
Amorim admitted he originally told the United hierarchy that he would prefer to finish the season with Sporting before taking over but ultimately agreed to come earlier than planned. Reflecting on the decision, he said:
“No regrets, not in this moment… Maybe four months ago, yes, but now I feel this is the most important time — for the future.”
Despite the “frustration” and “suffering” he’s faced, Amorim believes the experience is laying crucial groundwork for the long-term:
“We’re going to use all the information to prepare better the next few years… I think this is the top of what a coach can achieve.”
The Europa League remains United’s only real hope of salvaging the season, with a semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Before that, Amorim is hoping for redemption against Bournemouth, who handed United a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford in December.
So far, United fans have largely stood by the under-fire manager, as he aims to restore pride in one of English football’s most storied clubs.
