Ruben Amorim apologises to United fans as he makes brutally honest admission | OneFootball

Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has issued an apology to the club’s supporters, while making a frank admission about his stint.

Troubled spell

Amorim was sacked in January after an extremely turbulent 14-month spell in the Old Trafford dugout.

Appointed to much expectation after a successful tenure in Portugal with Sporting CP, Amorim immediately struggled at United. He led United to a historic low 15th-placed finish while also losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Despite this, he was backed in the summer window. The start of the 2025/26 season was much more positive but it never really felt like United were fully out of the woods.

In the build-up to the January window, Amorim became embroiled in disputes with the club’s hierarchy, chief among them director of football Jason Wilcox. Sources indicated that their disagreements centred on Amorim’s tactical inflexibility and his selection of transfer targets.

Amorim was dismissed after the 1-1 draw with Leeds, having used his post-match press conference to seemingly call out the top brass.

Michael Carrick was hired, initially on an interim basis, to replace the Portuguese coach. Carrick was named permanent head coach in May after guiding United to third place and securing Champions League football.

Meanwhile, Amorim was hired as Massimiliano Allegri’s successor at AC Milan last month.

He was presented by Milan on Wednesday and took the opportunity to apologise to the United fans for not bidding them a proper farewell. He also admitted to making mistakes.

Amorim’s admission

Amorim said, “The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes. I didn’t have opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment.”

“I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.”

He added about his new role, “It’s an honour to be here [at AC Milan]. I’m so happy. I can feel that here people feel the club. I love Milanello, I think the place has history, it’s quiet. People say that it is old. I love that kind of old, everything is there. I love the staff. I feel at home.”

“I follow Milan since I’m young, so it’s personal. It’s hard to take this kind of challenge. The belief that I had at Sporting, is the same belief I have now… with a little bit more hunger.”

“Maybe because of the last adventure. I’m really hungry for success. I believe in myself and especially I believe in the club.”

“I know it’s a tough league, I know that you need to know Italian football really well, I think I learn fast and I will try to do that.”

Last week, Amorim hinted that the job at United may have been too big a challenge for him.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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