1
Ruben Amorim was reportedly considering walking away from Manchester United in January, but he chose to stay after being convinced to carry on by his associates.
Amorim has endured a difficult time since he was replaced Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout in November last year.
He has won just six of the 26 Premier League games he has take charge of, with United currently languishing in 16th place in the table. Performances have also left a lot to be desired.
The Red Devils have lost 18 top-flight games, nine of which have come at home. United have yet to reach 40 points, with just one game left to play. It has undoubtedly been the worst campaign in the club’s modern history but they still have a chance to win a trophy in the form of the Europa League.
Amorim and his players are set to face fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur at San Mames on Wednesday. A victory would not only secure United a major piece of silverware but it would also guarantee them a spot in next season’s Champions League.
According to Mark Ogden, United’s struggles have taken a toll on Amorim and at one point, things got so bad that the Portuguese coach contemplated quitting his job.
Ogden notes, “Several sources have told ESPN that Amorim had become so disenchanted with life at United in January, after a run of one win in eight games culminated in a 3-1 home defeat by Brighton, that he was prepared to resign, but was talked out of the idea by associates.”
“Although a United source has told ESPN that there was no formal move by Amorim to quit, it was acknowledged that he had to be reassured by senior figures at the club, including CEO Omar Berrada, that he would be backed to turn the team’s fortunes around.”
“Additionally, United’s new football hierarchy — led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe — remained unwavering in their belief that Amorim was the right man for the job despite the side’s difficulties on the pitch.”
ESPN add that a source informed them Amorim was “visibly greying” in January, as United lost game after game.
Ogden further states, “Despite support from those above him at United, sources in and around the club have said that Amorim has continually questioned himself — and also the club’s ability to overhaul the first-team squad to his satisfaction.”
“They also shared that his early weeks at Old Trafford were made more challenging by the difficulties experienced by some members of his staff, who had left behind a winning team in Lisbon only to find their adjustment tough, on and off the pitch, in Manchester.”
However, it’s understood that in recent weeks, Amorim has come to “love” the challenge of reviving United.
The 40-year-old is confident in his abilities to improve the situation, even as he goes on with the business of trying to change the culture and mindset, to make United a truly competitive outfit once more.
Ogden reveals that Amorim has been working for up to 14 hours every day, sparing no effort in his bid to return United to their past glories.
Winning the Europa League – and securing an additional £100 million in funding courtesy of getting into the Champions League – would undoubtedly be a superb first step toward achieving that goal.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
