Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim arrived in November but aired the risks of being hired midseason - which the club's CEO acknowledges did take them by surprise
Comments
Sport
12:06, 17 Jun 2025
Ruben Amorim struggled throughout the season
Ruben Amorim struggled throughout the season(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United's CEO Omar Berrada admits bringing in Ruben Amorim midway through the season did contribute to their struggles as they "underestimated the time it would have required the team to adjust".
Amorim left his job at Sporting Lisbon when the Red Devils came calling in the autumn. Erik ten Hag was sacked after a string of poor results as the Old Trafford hierarchy were left looking for another new manager - eventually turning to the Portuguese coach.
Amorim had enjoyed success in his homeland, playing a specific 3-4-3 system, that helped Sporting win numerous honours. The manager himself expressed concerns about making the hop during the campaign due to the time needed to embed his philosophy.
United made it clear it was now or never following a request to join in the summer and Amorim eventually took charge of his first game in November. The team struggled for results and posted their worst campaign since the 1970s but Berrada believes the short-term pain will work out for the best.
He told United We Stand: "We knew that by bringing in Ruben mid-season that it was going to be even more difficult for the team to perform. We saw it as an investment for the following seasons, because we were going to give Ruben time to get to know the squad, the club, the Premier League. We have a very clear roadmap.
READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike transfer: Man Utd discover hefty price tag as Frankfurt issue statementREAD MORE: Man Utd chief claims club can WIN Premier League in three years as plan revealed
"Had Ruben started on 1 July 2025, we wouldn't have been able to have all that knowledge, right? And that's what I feel about these seven or eight months that he's had in the Premier League and what he's suffered in the Premier League and the team has suffered. It's really going to help us in the future.
Berrada ultimately confessed: "I think we probably underestimated the time it would have required the team to adjust to the system. But we don't regret the decision because I'm convinced that we'll see this pay off next season."
Man Utd's hierarchy chose to hire Ruben Amorim despite the warnings
Man Utd's hierarchy chose to hire Ruben Amorim despite the warnings
Amorim himself had warned the Manchester bosses of the risk they were taking in asking him to join midway through a season, but ultimately couldn't say no to the opportunity. That was before he would win just seven of his 27 Premier League games and lost the Europa League final.
The 40-year-old said: "When you start a season, it's completely different. You feel things, have a pre-season and time to change things you feel are necessary in a team and a squad. That is clear. That was the choice so I don't want to talk about that. I had my reasons to ask for it. I knew it would be tough and a risk, but it's Manchester United and you can't say no."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.