Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim was forced to defend himself in discussions with the club's top brass after flying to Monaco in the wake of the Europa League final defeat
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Sport
08:00, 27 May 2025
Head Coach Ruben Amorim of Manchester United checks in ahead of their flight to Kuala Lumpur
Ruben Amorim flew to Monaco for talks last week(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim was summoned to Monaco for crunch talks in the wake of Manchester United’s defeat by Tottenham in the Europa League final. United’s season ended in disaster, with Spurs’ 1-0 win in Bilbao denying them a place in the Champions League and making a crucial summer of recruitment more difficult.
After a dreadful domestic campaign, which saw them finish 15th following a contentious 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day, United were counting on the Europa League to offer solace. But Brennan Johnson’s scrappy goal was hugely damaging for the club’s shaky finances and Amorim, who will now have a task convincing new recruits to join in the summer transfer window.
United reacted by making it clear they would listen to offers for any of their underperforming squad, who have now jetted off to Malaysia for the first of two money-spinning post-season friendlies. But that wasn’t the first flight for Amorim, who travelled to Monaco on Friday to attend a high-profile meeting with the club’s owners and executives.
The meeting takes place every month in INEOS’ spiritual home, but doesn’t normally involve the manager, The Athletic reports. Amorim left having received backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the other club bigwigs, but he is under increasing pressure to deliver following a miserable start which has seen him win just 16 of his 42 games in charge.
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Speaking after the Europa League final defeat, but before he flew to Monaco, Amorim offered to walk away without compensation. “I have nothing to show to the fans, so at this moment it's a little bit of faith,” said Amorim.
“So let’s see. I'm always open. If the board and the fans feel I'm not the right guy, I will go the next day, without any conversation about compensation. But I will not quit. I'm still really confident in my job and, as you can see, I will not change anything in the way I do things. I am always really honest.”
He sounded a different note on the Old Trafford pitch, when addressing supporters following the Villa win. “First of all, I want to apologise,” he said. “It was really disappointing with the team. Secondly, I want to say thank you.
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks on during the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted answers from Ruben Amorim
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"We are very grateful for your support during the season. I know it was really hard to support us in many games. But now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past. Because this season is in the past, it's over.
"We fight each other or we stick together and move forward. Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you a storm is coming. Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.”
United are planning to be busy in the summer transfer window, with the £62.5million arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves the first of what the club hopes will be many signings. The club are also in the running to sign Ipswich striker Liam Delap, but Amorim knows he only has around £100m to play with and that sales are therefore key.
Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho are the top priorities when it comes to exits, while Alejandro Garnacho has been told he is not part of Amorim’s plans. He is being targeted by Napoli, while there is also interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in captain Bruno Fernandes.
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