Ruben Amorim has admitted he has considered quitting Manchester United, confessing he sometimes even “hates” his players after a disastrous start to the season. The 40-year-old coach, who took charge last November, is already under intense scrutiny following United’s shock League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby.
Why Is Amorim Under Pressure at Manchester United?
United opened their Premier League campaign with a defeat to Arsenal and a draw with Fulham before suffering humiliation against Grimsby. The loss followed last season’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, a result that kept them out of the Champions League despite a £200 million investment in Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Their struggles have only added to concerns after the club recorded their worst league finish since 1973-74.
What Did Amorim Say About His Players?
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with newly-promoted Burnley, Amorim was candid about his feelings. “Every time in the future we have one defeat like that I’m going to be like that, I’m going to say sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I defend my players and sometimes I think I cannot,” he told reporters.
He continued: “Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years. Sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don’t want to be with them. I need to improve on that, it’s going to be hard but now I’m focused on the next game.”
Can Amorim Turn Things Around?
Despite his frustrations, Amorim stressed he is determined to fight on. “Sometimes it’s not the result, it’s the way we lost that game or draw that game. That is the thing that is hard to accept. Because we can do better,” he said.
United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe reportedly still backs Amorim, but another poor result against Burnley could intensify calls for change. For now, the Portuguese manager insists his focus is on lifting performance levels and proving he can turn the club’s fortunes around.
By Yockshard Enyendi