‘Players have to take responsibility’: Maguire
As part of ‘United We Play Season 5’, Manchester United stars Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and André Onana made a special visit to Mumbai, engaging with fans and young footballers while offering candid insights into their turbulent 2024/25 campaign. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, the trio shared their thoughts on what went wrong during the season and what lies ahead for the club. Harry Maguire, Manchester United’s former captain, didn’t hold back when reflecting on the Premier League season. “Players have to take responsibility,” Maguire said. “We slipped in the Premier League. We were more focused on the Europa League, but that’s no excuse.” Goalkeeper André Onana defended incoming manager Rúben Amorim, whose appointment has been met with skepticism from some corners. “People called Amorim the worst manager,” Onana noted. “But he has his ideas, and he will not change his style of play. We have to adapt to his vision.” Full-back Diogo Dalot emphasized the need for a cultural and mental shift at the club. “We need a lot of change—and change is happening. In the club, in the squad,” he said. “Players need to be mentally strong to play for United.” The players’ visit was part of Manchester United’s commitment to nurturing young talent and engaging with fans worldwide. With key voices within the squad acknowledging the need for transformation, hopes are high that this marks the beginning of a new era for the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim will not quit, but ready to walk away without compensation if the board does not want him!
Amorim made a sharp declaration at the end of his post-match press conference following Bilbao’s 1-0 defeat. Amorim had begun his post-match assessment with a simple statement: “I am not going to talk about the future.” But he did exactly that after being asked what words of comfort he could offer supporters after such a desperate season. “I have nothing to show the fans,” he said. “So, in this moment, it is a little bit of faith. “Let’s see. I am always open. If the board and fans feel I am not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation. “But I will not quit. I am really confident in my job. And as you see, I will not change anything in the way I do things,” Amorim asserted. United are 16th in the table with one league game remaining, against Aston Villa on Sunday. An emotional Amorim told reporters after the game that he would stick to his guns despite a terrible run of results since he took over from the sacked Erik ten Hag in November. The former Sporting Lisbon boss, who has won just six Premier League games at United, said he still believed in his ability to turn things around at Old Trafford but would walk if he was no longer wanted.
Ruben says the best performance so far under his guidance
Ruben Amorim believes Rasmus Hojlund produced his best performance under him as Manchester’s head coach against Athletic Bilbao. Hojlund led the line for United again in the Europa League semi-final first leg at San Mames, where they won by an unexpected three-goal margin. After Casemiro’s 30th-minute opening goal, Hojlund was hauled down by Athletic defender Dani Vivian. Following an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee, a penalty was given, Vivian was sent off and Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick. Hojlund did not score and his record now is two goals in 30 United games but Amorim was pleased with his contribution in Spain. “I think it was the best game that he had with me as a coach.,” Amorim opined. “He helped the team a lot, he secured the ball and then made the runs, he decided quite well. “It is a good moment for him but, like Harry (Maguire), he needs to understand that everything can change. So let’s focus on the next one. This is in the past. We have a tough job to do on Sunday and Thursday.” Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first-leg of the Europa League semifinal on Thursday.
