Ruben Amorim: Manchester United Are a “Massive Club, Not a Massive Team”
Ruben Amorim, the new man at the helm of Manchester United, isn’t sugarcoating the challenges he’s facing. In a candid press conference, the 39-year-old Portuguese manager described his new role as inheriting a “difficult position” and made a bold statement that has fans buzzing: “We’re a massive club but not a massive team.” Ouch. But is he wrong?
Let’s face it—United’s glory days feel like a distant memory. With 20 top-flight titles, they remain English football’s most successful club domestically. Yet, their dominance has been reduced to a mere shadow of its former self over the past decade. The last time they lifted the Premier League trophy was in 2013, under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. Since then, it’s been a carousel of managers, inconsistent performances, and a growing sense of frustration among fans.
From Champions to Chasing the Pack
Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford comes at a time when the club is languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. To make matters worse, they’re heading into Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest—a team that was playing in the Championship as recently as 2022—six points behind their opponents. For a club of United’s stature, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Amorim didn’t hold back. “We’re not one of the best teams in the league, and we have to say and think that clearly,” he admitted. “But our past, our club, is maybe the best one in the league. So here we have a problem, and we have to focus on the little things and little details.”
It’s a sobering assessment, but one that seems necessary. Amorim is clearly trying to manage expectations while laying the groundwork for a long-term rebuild. And let’s not forget, he’s no stranger to success. During his time as head coach of Sporting CP, he won three Primeira Liga titles, proving he knows how to get the best out of his players.
Running Like “Mad Dogs”
One of the key issues Amorim has identified is effort—or the lack thereof. With a packed fixture list leaving little time for training, he’s focusing on instilling a relentless work ethic in his squad. His message to the players? If you want to win, you’ve got to “run like mad dogs.”
“I think the way we sprint back, the way we sprint forward, the way we fight—we have to be very clear with the team,” Amorim said. “This is the first point we have to address; then the tactical and technical aspects come later.”
It’s a no-nonsense approach that fans will likely appreciate. After all, effort is something that doesn’t require world-class talent—just the right mindset. “Even with the best starting XI on the planet, without running, they will not win anything,” Amorim added. “If we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we are not going to.”
What Needs to Change?
So, what’s next for Manchester United under Amorim? Here are some key takeaways from his comments:
- Effort is non-negotiable: Players need to give 100% on the pitch, both offensively and defensively.
- Focus on the basics: Before diving into complex tactics, the team needs to master the fundamentals.
- Manage expectations: Amorim is being realistic about where the team stands and what it will take to improve.
It’s clear that Amorim is playing the long game. He’s not promising instant success, but rather a gradual transformation built on hard work and attention to detail. Whether the players—and the fans—have the patience for that remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead
Saturday’s game against Nottingham Forest will be an early test of Amorim’s philosophy. Can United close the gap and start climbing the table? Or will the struggles continue? One thing’s for sure: the spotlight will be firmly on Amorim and his players as they try to turn things around.
For now, Amorim’s honesty is refreshing. He’s not hiding behind excuses or false optimism. Instead, he’s confronting the reality of United’s situation head-on. And while his “massive club, not a massive team” comment might sting, it could be the wake-up call the Red Devils need to rediscover their former glory.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
