Ruben Amorim acknowledges that both he and Manchester United’s underperforming players must take responsibility for changing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s critical view of the club. United’s immediate focus is to keep their season alive by advancing in the Europa League, starting with a crucial second-leg clash against Real Sociedad.
Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League and already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, Manchester United’s only hope of silverware this season lies in the Europa League. The competition also represents their most realistic chance of securing continental qualification, which Ratcliffe made clear when he voiced his frustration over the performances of certain players. He specifically called out Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana, as well as the loaned-out Jadon Sancho and Antony, labelling them as “not good enough” and “probably overpaid.”
In response to Ratcliffe’s comments, Amorim took responsibility for the collective underperformance at United, including his own role. “If we are being honest, everybody – me, all the players – are underperforming this season so we can always change that,” he stated. “I include myself in that part of underperforming. You are talking about players like Casemiro, for example, that won everything, and we know that these kinds of players can play so much better, so that is the focus.” Amorim emphasized that changing the narrative and winning the support of the club’s stakeholders, including Ratcliffe, must start with results on the pitch.
The United boss added that there had been no discontent from players regarding Ratcliffe’s remarks, suggesting that they would respond positively to the challenge. “If you are a top player and you play in this football club and even me – a lot of people say I am not good enough for the club and my feeling is you can change that with results,” said Amorim. “In training, I feel they want that really bad, especially tomorrow.”
Heading into the game against Real Sociedad, United faces an uphill battle, with 11 players unavailable for the key clash. Despite this, Amorim remains optimistic, recognizing that progression in the Europa League will help lift spirits within the squad. “In that context, it’s also important to give us more energy to continue the season,” he said. “We know that it’s not going to change a lot the idea for the next season, but it gives us more energy to finish the season in a different way.”
Regardless of the outcome against Sociedad, Amorim enjoys the backing of key figures within the club. Ratcliffe, in particular, has praised Amorim and their open conversations. “It’s really good since day one,” Amorim said, acknowledging the positive relationship with the co-owner. He also highlighted the exciting plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium as an indication of the long-term vision for the club.