Amorim: I’m the “Dreamer” to Restore United’s Glory

Rúben Amorim may be Manchester United’s sixth permanent manager since their last Premier League title win in 2013, but the 39-year-old Portuguese coach believes he is the right man to finally return the club to its former glory.

“I’m a bit of a dreamer,” Amorim said on Friday. “I believe in myself, I believe in the club, and we share the same mentality. I truly trust the players. I know the media doesn’t believe in us much, but I do. I want to try new things. You may not think it’s possible, but I do.”

Speaking at a packed press conference at United’s Carrington training ground, his first since being appointed permanent manager on November 11, Amorim addressed the media two days before his debut match, an away game against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

The role of Manchester United manager, often referred to as the “impossible job,” comes with immense scrutiny. However, Amorim laughed off the daunting reputation, undeterred by the failures of his predecessors.

“Of course not,” he said. “Call me naïve, but I truly believe I’m the right man at the right time. I’m not worried about it.”

Despite having only led two training sessions with his new squad due to the recent international break, Amorim promised fans they would notice a difference, though not a complete transformation, when United plays at Portman Road on Sunday.

“It’s simple,” he said. “We lose the ball too much. We need to improve our defensive transitions and pay attention to the smallest details. It’s all about the little things, and I think I’m good at spotting them.”

Nine Portuguese journalists attended the press conference, congratulating Amorim on his new role, with some even shaking his hand and embracing him.

Amorim revealed he received a message from José Mourinho, a former United manager, wishing him success. The message read: “It’s a big and beautiful club with great people,” Amorim said. “And he’s right—it still is. But we’re building a new team. I’m a different man. I hope to bring something different to my players here. This is the best club in England, and we want to win—that’s all.”

When asked to compare his arrival at United to Mourinho’s appointment at Chelsea in 2004, when he became the first Portuguese manager in the Premier League, Amorim reflected on the evolution of football.

“With every Portuguese manager, we’ve shown we can be among the best in the world,” he said. “But I’m different from Mourinho. I remember that time—I saw Mourinho, and it felt like he could win everywhere. It’s different now. He was a European champion; I’m not. Football has changed, and I believe I’m the right person for this moment. I’m young, and I want to use that to help my players. Back then, Chelsea’s young stars were like Frank Lampard. Today, it’s a completely different scenario. I believe I’m the right man for now.”

Known for his charismatic personality and strong connection with fans, Amorim led Sporting Lisbon to the Portuguese league title in 2021, ending a 19-year drought, and secured a second title last season.

After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on October 28, with United languishing in 14th place, the club swiftly appointed Amorim, one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy guided the team to three wins in four games across all competitions, lifting United to 13th place, four points behind third-placed Chelsea.