“Nobody has the right…” Rúben Amorim slammed for opening Manchester United comments

Rúben Amorim has been slammed for his comments claiming that Manchester United belong within the elite group of European clubs.

Rúben Amorim has officially taken the reins at Manchester United after Erik ten Hag’s departure last month.

While the club confirmed his appointment two weeks ago, Amorim’s arrival was delayed due to a release clause dispute with Sporting CP, preventing him from starting immediately. That issue has now been resolved, allowing him to join the squad this week.

Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Rúben Amorim appointment with heartfelt Manchester United message

In the meantime, Ruud van Nistelrooy served as interim coach, guiding United to three wins and a draw, which saw them make modest progress in both the Premier League and Europa League tables. Still, they sit in 13th and 15th place, respectively.

Now, at 39, Amorim faces a huge task ahead. He’s set to lead his first training session next week, with the club hoping he can spark a turnaround in their season.

Amorim’s United mission statement

Speaking to the club media for the first time, Amorim was keen to hammer home the point that his overall mission statement at the club was to ensure that he put the club back where it belongs.

Asked by club reporter Harry Robinson if he had a message he wanted to give United fans, he explained that he is honoured to become United’s new head coach.

“That is a great responsibility. And the first thing is that I’m really honored to be here. It was my only choice because I think I really feel how big this club is.

“And then I will do everything for the team. I will defend my players if I have to, all the time, against everybody.

“That is a key point for me, and I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs. And I believe a lot that we are going to succeed.”

Amorim slammed for comments

However, on Saturday morning, well-known English journalist Henry Winter slammed Amorim for suggesting that United “belong” among European elites, explaining that it’s a position that’s earned, not one that the club holds as a right.

“Nobody has a right to belong at the top,” Winter said. “You have to earn that right. As Busby and Ferguson did through application, ability and team-building.

“The essence of sport is you belong where your current performances and results put you, and then you strive harder to improve that position. United belong in 13th place at the moment because of uninspiring management, poor recruitment and the drift under the Glazers.”

However, Winter did acknowledge that Amorim spoke well in his opening interview, and that fans of the club are right to be excited by the Portuguese’s appointment.

“But United fans are right to be excited by Amorim,” he continued. “His charisma and communication skills very evident in his MUTV interview.

“He signalled the re-building blocks. ‘We must have an identity.’ ‘You will see an idea – this I can guarantee.’ Playing ‘without fear.’ Good to hear.”

Amorim will take charge of his side for the first time on Sunday, 24 November, as United travel to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League. His first Old Trafford game will come four days later as United welcome Bodo/Glimt to Manchester in the Europa League.

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