Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim remains resolute in his approach as he navigates the challenges of reviving one of England’s most iconic football clubs.
Amid a turbulent period marked by inconsistent performances and speculation over Marcus Rashford’s future, the Portuguese manager has reiterated his commitment to doing things his way, despite mounting pressure.
Amorim, who succeeded Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, has had a rollercoaster tenure thus far. His side pulled off a thrilling late comeback against Manchester City but followed it with a 3-0 loss at home to Bournemouth and a 4-3 League Cup quarter-final defeat to Tottenham.
One major talking point has been the omission of Rashford, a key figure in the United setup, from these matches. Rashford’s absence has raised eyebrows, particularly after the 27-year-old forward hinted at seeking a “new challenge” during a midweek interview, fueling rumors of a potential exit from Old Trafford.
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Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Wolves, Amorim maintained that the situation with Rashford remains under control. “It’s a normal situation,” Amorim said. “When I feel it’s the right moment, I will change something. Until then, I will continue to make decisions based on what’s best for the team.”
The manager also dismissed suggestions of a rift, explaining that he speaks to Rashford daily, focusing on performance rather than off-field comments. “He wants to play, he’s trying,” Amorim explained. “But it’s my decision, only my decision. I’m doing things my way, and it’s the only way I know. If I don’t, I’ll lose myself, and I won’t let that happen. I know what I’m doing.”
Amorim appeared to question the influence of Rashford’s entourage following the Bournemouth match. The omission led to pundit Gary Neville describing the forward’s potential departure as an “inevitable ending.” However, Amorim downplayed the controversy, asserting that it’s not a distraction for the team.
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“I can’t control the media narrative, but it’s not a distraction for us,” he said. “Everyone at Carrington knows exactly what I want from Marcus and the rest of the team.”
With United languishing in 13th place, Amorim has acknowledged the weight of responsibility. “Since the first day I arrived, it’s been on me,” he admitted. “I understand it’s a tough moment, but we need to focus on improving, understanding the context, and not dwelling on the past.”
“Some players here carry a big responsibility because of their talent and history at the club,” Amorim said. “This is about pushing forward and making the most of this moment.”
The Boxing Day fixture pits United against Wolves, now under the guidance of Amorim’s compatriot Vitor Pereira, who is riding high after a commanding 3-0 victory over Leicester. Despite the challenges, Amorim remains determined to guide the Red Devils through this transitional phase.