Ruben Amorim: Manchester United manager ‘not enthusiastic’ about the club’s aspirations following the derby stalemate.

Ruben Amorim is feeling the pressure to turn Manchester United’s fortunes around as he navigates a challenging start to his tenure. Since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, the manager has managed to secure just six victories from 20 league matches, leaving fans and players alike yearning for improvement.

Following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Amorim noted some positive signs in his side’s performance, suggesting that the foundations for a more successful 2025/26 campaign are beginning to take shape. “At the moment, it’s still really hard, every day,” he admitted during his post-match press conference. “But you can imagine that next season is going to be so much different.”

The urgency in Amorim’s voice was palpable as he expressed the need for immediate results. “That’s why I always say that I’m in a rush, because we are suffering a lot. Everybody here is suffering a lot with all these changes,” he said. “We have to show something in the next year. Right away. If not, I have a feeling that all this that is happening in this moment, we are not taking advantage.”

He acknowledged the importance of his mid-season arrival, emphasizing the need to work closely with the players to enhance their skills and prepare for the next season. “It was important to come mid-season, to work with the players, to improve the players as soon as possible, to start the next season with a better idea of what we want,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Amorim was encouraged by the performance against Manchester City, hoping to carry that momentum into their upcoming Europa League clash with Lyon. However, he was quick to point out that there is still much work to be done. “Everything, everywhere,” he stated when asked about areas for improvement. “I think we need to improve in every aspect of the game. Build up, transition, decision – clearly – in the final third.”

He acknowledged the potential within his squad, stating, “Every player can improve. They are here because they showed something at other clubs. They have the quality.” Amorim noted that while progress is being made, the team must spend more time in the attacking third to create more opportunities.

The Portuguese manager also candidly addressed the possibility of seeking a new club if results do not improve swiftly. “I’m not naive,” he remarked. “I’m not crazy. I can see the moment that we are in. I can look to the opponents and I understand there is a big gap.”

As for his captain, Bruno Fernandes, Amorim drew a comparison to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, highlighting the crucial role Fernandes plays in the team. “If you look at Liverpool, it’s Salah, the difference that he makes. Bruno is our player in that department,” he said, urging Fernandes to elevate his game even further next season.

Looking ahead to the Europa League clash with Lyon, Amorim reiterated the significance of the competition, particularly as a pathway to securing a Champions League spot for next season. “It’s really important. Again, it’s not the most important thing for Manchester United because we have a lot of things to do, but you can see it, in this season, the Europa League is really important,” he concluded. “We can reach the Champions League next season, we can win something, so we are going to do everything to try to go to the next stage.”