Ruben Amorim’s Unexpected Fan Support
Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese manager of Manchester United, finds himself in a peculiar situation at Old Trafford. Despite the team’s struggles, which have seen them marooned in the bottom half of the Premier League table, United fans have been unexpectedly supportive. In a recent interview, Amorim chuckled at the irony, revealing, "They say one thing that is really strange for me: ‘You are doing a good job.’ It is so hard to understand sometimes, but it’s really important for me." The fan support has been both surprising and deeply appreciated, offering a glimmer of hope in what has been a challenging tenure for the 40-year-old manager.
A Troubled Reign
Amorim’s time at Manchester United has been far from smooth. In just four months, the team has managed only six victories in 18 Premier League matches, suffering eight defeats along the way. This record places them in a precarious position, far from the top of the table. The manager acknowledges his role in the team’s underperformance and admits to making mistakes, particularly in his interactions with the club’s staff. "When you are a player, you just focus on yourself, but when you are a manager, you have to focus on a lot of people— not just the players but all the staff," he told TNT Sports. Initially, Amorim was hyper-focused on the games, neglecting the broader ecosystem of the club, but he is now making efforts to build better connections.
Organizational Challenges
The club’s organizational structure has also posed significant challenges. Recent news of 200 more redundancies by new owners Ineos has stirred a mix of emotions within the club. While Amorim earned respect from some non-football staff for attributing job losses to the team’s on-pitch struggles, the sentiment was not universally positive. Some players reportedly felt singled out and uncomfortable with the public scrutiny. The shadow of United’s storied past, particularly the incredible success under Sir Alex Ferguson, looms large over Amorim, as it has for many of his predecessors. The pressure to live up to Ferguson’s legacy is palpable, and Amorim has felt it deeply.
Ferguson’s Guidance
Amorim’s journey at Manchester United has been marked by moments of reaching out for support. One such moment was a call from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who offered advice to the young manager. Amorim revealed, "He already called me to give me some advice." This guidance from Ferguson, who guided United to unprecedented heights, is seen as a valuable lifeline by Amorim. The Portuguese manager is keen to learn from the wisdom of those who have managed the club through its most glorious periods, hoping to apply these lessons to his current challenges.
Adapting and Evolving
In an effort to turn things around, Amorim is open to making changes, even to the smallest details of his routine. He admitted, "This is the time to change things, when you are not winning too much." One of these changes includes altering his pre-match ritual of handing a water bottle to his assistant. Amorim believes that even minor adjustments can have a significant impact on team morale and performance. His willingness to adapt and evolve is a testament to his resilience and commitment to improving the team’s fortunes.
Fan Loyalty and Future Dreams
Despite the tough times, Amorim remains incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of Manchester United fans. He expressed, "The way they support us, even when you are losing, in the bad moments, that is the most special thing." This loyalty has not gone unnoticed and serves as a motivating factor for the manager. Amorim, who has enjoyed success both as a player and a coach in Portugal, dreams of bringing glory back to Old Trafford. He fondly remembers the fans’ favorite chant, a version of John Denver’s "Country Roads," and hopes to hear it again in celebration of a Premier League title. "I really dream to win the title and listen to that song at Old Trafford," Amorim shared, highlighting his ambition and the importance of fan culture in his vision for the team’s future.
