The Europa League final loss capped off a miserable season for Manchester United - and Ruben Amorim has spoken of his future
Comments
Sport
Sir Jim Ratcliffe consoles Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim after the Europa League final defeat
Sir Jim Ratcliffe consoles Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim after the Europa League final defeat
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
The Europa League final defeat capped off a miserable season for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim saying that he would leave with zero compensation if the club and fans thought it was the right thing to do - and some Manchester Evening News readers in our comments section are torn on whether that would give them the best chance to return to winning ways next season.
United were the losers in a game short of quality, putting a brutal end to any talk of a redemption arc in one of the worst seasons many fans will have seen in their whole lives. Amorim has said that he is still confident in his methods, but if the club and fans tell him to leave, he will do so quietly - and without adding to the significant bill United have racked up in compensation packages over the years.
The final was billed as a £100 million pound game, given the amount of money Champions League qualification can bring in, and missing out will make the task of rebuilding the team that much harder.
Speaking after the match, Amorim said: "In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself, is not my style. I cannot do it, is really hard for me. So I have nothing to show to the fans to say I am going to improve because of this, I had these problems, I will not do nothing.
"In this moment, it’s a little bit of faith. So let’s see. Like I said before, coming here before in the flash, I am always open. If the board and fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation. But I will not quit again. I am really confident in my job and, as you can see, I will not change nothing in the way I do things."
Some fans are still eager to see what an Amorim team can do, given time and support. Reader StephenTaylor123 says: "Listen, Ruben got it wrong last night, he shouldn't have started Mount over Garnacho and played Ugarte with Casemiro in the pivot. But in no way is Ruben Amorim the biggest problem at Manchester United.
Article continues below
"He needs to be given more players that will mould the team into the way he wants to play. The club is rotting due to complacency since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and we seem to have a dressing room culture where players would rather soothe their own egos rather than play for fans and the badge, and that has to change."
Commenter Steviweavi writes: "100% he's the right guy! He's needs to be backed. There are a high number of this squad that need to be sold, though I doubt that could be achieved in one transfer window. A target of qualifying for Europa, along with more consistency would be a good enough target for next season. After another summer transfer window, we should be able to start challenging for top four and the PL the season after. Let's not run before we can walk."
Red Devil 4 Ever says: "Amorim has been honest in his assessment of performances and results. He's shown he's hurting, like us fans. Erik ten Hag in the same situation talked of being happy with the performances, of there being progress and the team are in transition. Amorim now knows the task better than anyone and what is needed to turn the team around.
"Offering to leave without a compensation package just shows the integrity of the man. Which of our previous managers made this offer? The club now needs to start recruiting players where we say 'WOW' and not WHO?"
Others have seen enough to want a fresh start, and to rebuild the team under new leadership without the pressure of European competition hanging over their heads. Reader Jungle Jerry writes: "United should let Amorim go now while his offer still stands. He has said that he will leave without compensation.
"The club cannot afford to change the whole team. It is impossible to get rid of all the players and replace them in the next transfer window. The management cannot give Amorim the players he needs. Amorim will continue playing his way and United will be relegated next season.
"Best to let him go and get another manager or chief coach who is willing to do what is best for the club. Organise the players and play to their strengths. Come up with game plans and tactics that will win most games. That might keep the club in the top half by the end of next season."
Utd4me adds: "The football under Amorim is terrible to watch, the results are the worst they have been for many a year. The league position will be 1 above relegation. His tactic clearly doesn't work and he keeps saying that he will not change it. He has now offered to leave for free. Please tell me what he is showing or saying that warrants him keeping his job, because as it stands United would be better off getting in touch with Big Sam and readying him to take over next season."
Article continues below
Garth123 says: "The status quo next season may be not much different if the board sticks by Amorim, as we will have a good manager/coach but don't have the team he can utilise in his system.
"So reluctantly for me perhaps he needs to go, as the club will not be able to provide the players he needs for his system to be successful. The players we have currently can play 4-3-3 and this maybe the best way forward with another coach at the helm. Otherwise we could have another season like the current, with very little success."
Have your say! Should Amorim be given time? Or is it better to make another fresh start this summer? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.