Ruben Amorim, the recently appointed manager of Manchester United, has emphasized the significance of the upcoming Premier League clash against Southampton, calling it “more important” than their recent high-profile matches against Liverpool and Arsenal. Speaking in an exclusive interview, the Portuguese coach outlined his expectations for his players and reflected on his challenging start to life at Old Trafford.
Southampton Game: A Defining Moment for United
Manchester United will host Southampton, currently at the bottom of the Premier League table, on Thursday night. Despite securing an impressive 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this month and advancing to the FA Cup fourth round by defeating Arsenal on penalties, Amorim believes the Southampton game holds even greater importance for the club.
“For me, it’s more important,” Amorim stated. “We will tell more from our players than in the last two games, so I can say that it’s a really, really important game for me and the club.”
He stressed that the match would test the team’s attitude and commitment, especially as they face a side desperate to climb out of relegation territory. Amorim expects his players to approach the game with the same determination they showed against their biggest rivals, despite the different challenges posed by the Saints.
“I know that playing at home, the environment will be different,” Amorim explained. “They will ask different things from the players, and the space will be bigger to defend. We are prepared for that. We also have to play better with the ball.”
A Tough Start at Old Trafford
Since taking over from Erik ten Hag on November 1, Amorim has faced numerous challenges in one of football’s most demanding managerial roles. United currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League table, a far cry from their ambitions of securing a top-four finish. The team is 14 points adrift of the UEFA Champions League qualifying spots, with only one win in their last seven league games.
However, Amorim remains optimistic, drawing on his experience from his time at Sporting CP. “The good thing is that I had this process at my former club,” he said. “Everything is different – the pressure, the players, the league – but the process is the same. You know what kind of steps you have to do.”
While he acknowledges the team’s struggles, Amorim insists that the current challenges align with his expectations. “Of course, you don’t control the results, but everything until now was like I was expecting. That is a good thing because I really know what we are doing,” he explained.
Focus on Commitment and Progress
Amorim has repeatedly emphasized the importance of commitment and a strong work ethic in his players. While tactical adjustments and improved performances are crucial, he believes the foundation lies in the team’s attitude. “For me, the most important thing is to have this commitment in the way we face the games,” he said. “It’s not going to be enough [on its own]. We are going to have to play a different kind of football, and I think in the future we can deliver that.”
Despite the pressure to turn things around quickly, Amorim remains measured in his approach. He understands the need for patience and believes that progress will come with time and consistency.
January Transfers: Not the Main Priority
With United’s form faltering, speculation about potential reinforcements in the January transfer window has been rampant. The club has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, among others. However, Amorim downplayed the importance of mid-season transfers, emphasizing the need for strategic planning.
“It’s not our focus,” Amorim stated. “We are changing a lot of things in the middle of the season; we understand our mistakes in the past. We have to be really cautious when we think about transfers. It’s not our focus at the moment, but when the window is open, we are a big club that wants to improve the team.”
While the January market presents opportunities, Amorim remains focused on long-term improvements rather than short-term fixes.
Reflecting on Highs and Lows
As he approaches the end of his second month in charge, Amorim reflected on his journey so far. He singled out the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on December 22 as a defining moment, encapsulating both the challenges and emotional highs of managing Manchester United.
“I think you can put both (highlight and lowlight) together – the end of Bournemouth. That loss was so hard on me,” he admitted. “It was really, really hard. A second defeat in a row, 3-0 again. But then at the end, you have your friends clapping. It’s so embarrassing and good at the same time.”
Amorim described the mixed emotions of feeling supported by the fans while grappling with the weight of expectations. “You can put this moment and explain both sides of the coin,” he said. “This is the club where I want to stay and to win. And then the other feeling is that it’s like we are disappointing a lot of people.”
Looking Ahead
As Manchester United prepare to face Southampton, Amorim remains determined to steer the team back on track. The Portuguese manager’s focus on commitment, tactical growth, and long-term planning underscores his belief in the club’s potential.
While the Southampton game may not carry the same prestige as clashes with Liverpool or Arsenal, its significance for United’s season cannot be overstated. A victory would not only boost the team’s confidence but also reaffirm Amorim’s vision for the future.
For now, all eyes are on Thursday night, where Manchester United’s performance against Southampton will reveal much about the team’s resilience and resolve under Amorim’s leadership.
