Ruben Amorim Reflects on His First Year as Manchester United Head Coach
As Ruben Amorim approaches his one-year anniversary as head coach of Manchester United, he has reason to celebrate.
The 40-year-old's ability to maintain a sense of humor, even during challenging times, has been a defining aspect of his personality over the past year.
Amorim chuckled, albeit with a hint of embarrassment, when his unique phone alarm went off during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur in May, coinciding with the president of the South East Asia Football Federation welcoming Manchester United to Malaysia for their post-season tour.
He laughed again last month when asked if the Pope had reached out to him following a defeat to Chelsea, just a day after he stated that not even the Holy Father could convince him to abandon his controversial 3-4-2-1 formation.
Even during his ominous “the storm will come” comments last December, when he forecasted difficulties in implementing his ideas, Amorim managed to smile.
Before Saturday's match against Nottingham Forest—marking exactly one year since his appointment—Amorim shared his perspective on why he remains upbeat. “It’s my character,” he explained. “I know many people expect me to show a face of suffering, but I prefer to do the opposite. I will not change who I am. I live my life with the belief that things can change.”
His cheerful demeanor is genuine, according to those who know him well; it is not a facade hiding nerves. Despite some challenging moments, Amorim has been a positive influence at Carrington, with only a few bleak periods during a year in which United has won 22 matches and lost 21.
He rarely appears withdrawn and actively participated in birthday celebrations for defender Patrick Dorgu this week, showcasing his broader view of his role beyond merely delivering results.
While the current atmosphere at the club is not reminiscent of the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was on a first-name basis with most staff, Amorim's commitment to fostering relationships is evident. His experiences, including the pressures he faced during his playing career, have shaped his perspective on management.
Amorim’s dedication is particularly visible after home games, where he takes time to sign autographs and take selfies with fans who have waited patiently for him, regardless of the weather. He also encourages his players to engage with supporters at Old Trafford, seeing this interaction as a responsibility.
He appreciates the support he has received, which he finds surprising and is immensely grateful for. After matches, he joins his players in acknowledging fans, sharing the responsibility for results—win or lose. Observers describe him as “very human” and “very kind,” noting his efforts to connect with others.
If Amorim's anniversary had been marked on October 1, opinions would have been largely negative, as United had only accumulated 34 points from 33 games, ranking near the bottom of the Premier League. However, following three consecutive victories, they have climbed the standings.
For the first time, Amorim has been nominated for manager of the month. In a recent press conference, he was asked about the prospect of Champions League qualification, and a win at the City Ground could see United rise to second place in the league—an achievement not seen since September 2021.
While he cautioned against overanalyzing current form, the recent success, combined with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's comments about a three-year plan, paints a more optimistic picture of his first year than previously anticipated.
Despite facing criticism earlier in the season, Amorim's engaging press conferences are not his favorite part of the job. He is known to be emotional and sincere, particularly after games, and his remarks are often unscripted.
His cheerful nature contrasts with his intense demeanor during training sessions, where he is sometimes seen observing from a distance, contemplating his messaging for the main session. His training methods have been meticulous, ensuring players understand their roles and movements on the pitch.
Despite some difficult days, United officials have consistently expressed their support for Amorim, with no internal discussions regarding his future. The club remains focused on achieving European qualification this season.
Reflecting on his journey, Amorim admitted there were tough moments that made him question his future at the club. “There were some moments that were hard to deal with, especially after losing so many games,” he said. “This is Manchester United, and I struggled with the attention on the Europa League without success.”