Portuguese newspaperA BOLAhave an optimistic slant on Ruben Amorim’s situation at Manchester United, thanks to quotes from Benni McCarthy.
The former Porto striker, who worked at Old Trafford between 2022 and 2024, evaluated the manager’s turbulent first year and argued that signs of a true “revolution” are starting to appear.
A brutal introduction to Old Trafford
Amorim joined Manchester United in November 2024 with high expectations, yet the Premier League has proved unforgiving. The club finished last season in 15th place and dealt with internal restructuring and heavy scrutiny.
McCarthy told Sporty TV that he felt genuine sympathy for Amorim during those first months. “You know, I felt sorry for him because he arrived at United at a very difficult moment… new ownership, a new changing of the guard,” he said.
McCarthy noted that the side were already below their expected level when Amorim took charge, but the Portuguese coach introduced a clear roadmap. “The team were not playing at the level they should, but he arrived with a clear plan. This is what he wanted to achieve, and he stayed loyal to his philosophy.”
Criticism, resilience and the ‘crocodile skin’ mindset
According to McCarthy, Amorim became a target for almost every commentator during his early months at the club. “I mean, everyone criticised him, and it’s not easy to be in that position when you’re being criticised and the whole world is watching and judging.”
He stressed that many people outside the club predicted failure before the new coach even had a chance to implement his ideas. “They were never going to get it right; the team were not good enough. But he was probably one of the only people who believed so strongly in himself.”
McCarthy argued that this level of conviction has been essential in shifting United’s mindset. “He turned it around, you know, and he has a strong character. He must have crocodile skin to stay strong and keep his philosophy.”
Momentum grows as players buy into the manager’s ideas
At this stage of the season, McCarthy believes the impact of Amorim’s approach is visible across the squad. “He has made the players believe that what he is doing is right because the players are responding, and they are winning games,” he said.
McCarthy cited big results as proof of this shift, again using the word that shaped his entire assessment. “He beat Liverpool, he beat Chelsea. I’m happy with that. It’s good progress. So I’m looking forward to seeing the Ruben Amorim revolution in the near future.”
He added that the manager’s growing influence inside the dressing room has become a defining element of United’s improvement. “The players trust him now. You can see that in the way they press, the way they move the ball, the way they fight for each other. That comes from belief, and he gave them that belief.”
A convincing win at Wolves strengthens the narrative
Manchester United’s latest performance supported McCarthy’s argument. The team beat bottom-placed Wolverhampton 4-1 away, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
McCarthy suggested that if this trend continues, United could re-establish themselves as one of the strongest teams in England next season.
The South African coach concluded that Amorim’s authority, resilience and clear principles are now producing results that match the ambition around Old Trafford – and that the idea of a true “revolution” no longer sounds exaggerated.