‘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 Amorim planned to resign in January; Continues after a reassurance from the club’s top brass
According to ESPN, the Red Devils boss was left hugely disillusioned by his start to life at Old Trafford. Manchester United had won just one of their previous eight matches at the time in question. Their most recent result had been a disastrous 3-1 home defeat to bogey club Brighton, and the reflection was worse when Amorim smashed a TV set in the dressing room out of frustration. The local media reported that after the hammering,Amorimquickly became “disenchanted” with how things were working out. The Portuguese tactician even considered stepping down from the job he had taken just two months earlier. But associates managed to “talk him out” of quitting. At the same time, chiefs, including Omar Berrada reassured Amorim that he had the full backing of Sir Jim Ratcliffeand Ineos. United have also told SunSport that although January was a low moment for the club, there was never a discussion about Amorim leaving his post. The gaffer certainly looks set to be backed this summer with several new signings.
Amorim admits he may have to leave if poor form of Manchester United continues
Ruben Amorim has admitted he should step aside as manager if Manchester United take their poor league form from the end of this season into the next campaign. United’s appalling finish hit another low note at Old Trafford as they lost 0-2 against West Ham United, the first time in 18 years. West Ham had failed to win any of their previous eight games. As well as questioning his own future, Amorim said: “We are losing the feeling that we are a massive club, and it’s the end of the world to lose a game at home. “If we are not scared of losing a game as Manchester United and don’t have that fear anymore, it is the most dangerous thing a big club can have.” Amorim’s side have only beaten relegated duo Ipswich and Leicester in the league since 26 January and are on their joint worst winless run in the Premier League of seven games. “Everybody here has to think seriously about a lot of things,” said Amorim. “Everybody is thinking about the (Europa League) final. The final is not the issue. We have bigger things to think about. “I’m talking about myself and the culture in the club and the culture in the team. We need to change that. “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. “We need to be strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. “If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give space to different people.” On a three points for a win basis, United are heading for their worst tally since their 1930-31 relegation campaign, when they would have collected 29 points in a 42-game campaign. Manchester United are on 39 points and 16th on the League table, with only Europa League final opponents Tottenham and the three relegated teams below them.
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.
