Jose Mourinho has issued a message of support for Rúben Amorim following a turbulent opening six months at Manchester United.
Rúben Amorim joined Manchester United in mid-November last season after the club parted ways with Erik ten Hag, although his first six months at the club have been anything but smooth.
United’s form domestically was poor, being knocked out of the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup by Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, while the club finished 15th in the Premier League table with just 42 points.
The club’s form in Europe was much more promising, with Amorim’s men unbeaten until the final. Still, they slipped at the last moment and allowed Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs to secure their first trophy since 2008 with a 1-0 win in the Europa League final.
With the club sticking by Amorim and backing their young head coach, United are set to announce the arrival of Matheus Cunha this week. Meanwhile, other priority targets, such as Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo, are now deciding whether to join United or not.
Mourinho issues message of support to Amorim
Speaking last week, Amorim explained that he was “really happy” he chose to join the Old Trafford club in November instead of insisting he wait until the summer, as he was able to learn from many mistakes he’s made so far and take that knowledge into next season.
Speaking with Sky Sports, former United boss Jose Mourinho, who won three trophies at Old Trafford, agreed with his fellow Portuguese, explaining that he went through a similar phase when he first joined Porto.
“The impact [of losing the Europa League final] on Manchester United, of course, is huge in the sense of, for [the first time in] many years, Man United is not involved in any European competition,” Mourinho explained.
“But at the same time, it looks like they are supporting Rúben. They are giving him time and conditions to go forward.
“I read some quotes from him, saying that he’s happy that he come and had already this six months. When I went to Porto, it happened the same to me. I went in January, I had a difficult six months. We were struggling even to qualify for UEFA Cup. And then what happened after…”
Mourinho went on to win the coveted Treble with Porto in the 2002/03 season, when the Portuguese boss was 40 years old – the same age as Amorim is now.
United’s fans should listen to Mourinho’s optimism
United fans who are behind Amorim and are willing him on for success will be delighted to hear that they are joined by one of football’s greatest-ever managers, but those who are more sceptical about the head coach should heed Mourinho’s words.
The 62-year-old has always been a very straight talker when it comes to how he feels and what he says, with United fans no doubt familiar with this following his stint at the club between 2016 and 2018.
Mourinho knows Amorim well, having taught him during masterclasses for future managers at Old Trafford in 2017. If he is backing the United boss to succeed at Old Trafford, then those supporting the club should, too.
Amorim has been keen to stress that he will walk away from United if the board feel he is not the right man for the job, but with many fresh arrivals this summer and multiple high-profile names departing Old Trafford, the club seem more keen than ever to stay behind their head coach.
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