Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted he approached matchdays last season with dread amid the team's historic struggles, calling the experience "the hardest part" of his tumultuous debut year.
A Season of Unprecedented Struggles
In an exclusive interview during United's U.S. pre-season tour, the Portuguese tactician reflected on overseeing the club's worst league finish since 1989-90, with a 15th-place Premier League result and just seven wins in 27 matches. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November 2024, also endured a heartbreaking Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, compounding a campaign marked by a dismal four-game losing streak and only three victories in 11 late-season fixtures.
"It wasn't about returning home defeated—it was the fear of what awaited us when I left for the stadium," Amorim revealed. "I knew we'd struggle before kickoff. That frustration of anticipating our lack of competitiveness haunted me."
Cultural Overhaul and Uncompromising Standards
Despite the turmoil, Amorim emphasized his commitment to transforming the club's culture. He instituted a six-player leadership group—including Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire—to enforce discipline, while maintaining strict training protocols. "I don't coddle players. If standards slip, I show them the evidence publicly," he stated, referencing his use of video analysis to hold squad members accountable.
Ratcliffe Rapport and Long-Term Vision
The 39-year-old manager praised his working relationship with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, describing their communication as "direct and effective." While joking about receiving GIFs from the British billionaire, Amorim stressed mutual respect: "He values clear explanations. I know my role, but I speak frankly when needed."
Amorim's ambitions extend far beyond immediate recovery, boldly stating: "My goal is to stay for 20 years. This club has unmatched history and resources—with the right culture, we'll reclaim our place among Europe's elite." His confidence persists despite ongoing squad adjustments, including the isolation of disgruntled players like Alejandro Garnacho, whom he acknowledged "seeks new challenges."
Road to Redemption
With pre-season preparations underway, Amorim targets a European qualification spot for 2025-26, dismissing last season's 35-point gap to the top four as surmountable. "The aim is clear: restore United to where they belong," he declared, expressing unwavering belief in future Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
As training resumes at Carrington, early signs suggest Amorim's methods are gaining traction. Yet for a manager who once scrutinized household budgets after a career-ending injury, the pressure to revive English football's fallen giant may pale next to the personal stakes of his professional legacy.
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