‘I am a more complete manager’ says Amorim after long slump sees the Red Devils at the bottom half of the table.
‘I am a more complete manager’. These are the words of Man United boss Ruben Amorim after overseeing probably the worst run of results in his managerial career.
Since taking charge in November, the Portuguese have managed five wins in 16 Premier League games, dropping them to 14th place.
One of those victories came at Old Trafford against Fulham, who will be playing in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday. With injuries off the pitch and subpar performances on it, the holders will have a pivotal week when they travel to Real Sociedad for the Europa League’s opening leg on Thursday.
“Better is hard to say because I’m not winning games, so I don’t feel like I’m a better coach,” Amorim said when asked if he had improved since arriving at Old Trafford. “I lived here for three months, I lived certain things. I’m a more complete manager because sometimes you need to lose and be in a poor situation to grow.
“I felt that during these three months, I’m not going to die if I lose three games in a row. That is something that I learned here and I can cope to maintain the energy. I’m learning a lot about myself and the players, but I prefer to win games.”
Amorim has steadfastly adhered to his favoured 3-4-3 configuration in an effort to eliminate individuals who are unable to work within the system. Amorim acknowledges that United must sell first and has no qualms about informing players they are not wanted, but it is likely that the club will try to restructure the playing staff during the summer.
“That is not a difficult situation because everybody understands that in football, sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on,” he said. “If I know how to explain, I can do it, and I like to do it because I want to be clear.
“When I was a player, I tried to use all that experience. When you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning it’s hard, but they will understand.
“I’m quite honest with my players and they already know that sometimes they have to move on at the end of the season.”