Ruben Amorim is a month away from reuniting with Manchester United in a pre-season friendly.
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Ruben Amorim was never shy about expressing his true feelings when he was Manchester United head coach, so we shouldn't be surprised that he has continued to do so in Italy. After losing nearly as many matches as he won, Amorim was sacked in January following his infamous outburst after a draw with Leeds.
This proved to be the final straw for United's decision-makers, who had always insisted on giving Amorim time to turn things around. But eventually, the Portuguese head coach backed United into a corner and they had little choice but to get rid. Since their split, both United and Amorim have landed on their feet.
In Michael Carrick, the Reds have found a head coach who not only steadied the ship but has sent it in a new direction. As for Amorim, the tough nature of the United job has not damaged his reputation. He now has a fresh challenge with AC Milan, one he deems bigger than the Old Trafford gig.
As fate would have it, United will reunite with Amorim on August 15 when they face Milan in their final pre-season friendly. Perhaps this realisation sparked the ex-United head coach's apology to the Reds' supporters last week. "The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes," Amorim said in a press conference.
"I didn't have opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year."
While Amorim's time at Old Trafford was anything but impressive, the Reds do have a few things to thank him for. His rigid system and decision to freeze out Kobbie Mainoo are far from falling into that bracket, but his eagerness to part ways with players who weren't meeting the required standards should be applauded.
One of those who crossed the line too many times was, of course, Alejandro Garnacho. At one stage, the Argentine winger had the world at his feet with United.
Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho await their runners-up medals after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur
Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho await their runners-up medals after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur
View 2 Images
He broke into the first team, producing some moments of brilliance in the process, and looked set to be the latest academy gem to take the Premier League by storm. But controversy was never far away and it made it impossible for Garnacho to take that next step.
After openly criticising his manager following the 2025 Europa League final defeat and enraging United fans by wearing an Aston Villa shirt with Marcus Rashford's name on the back, Garnacho was cut adrift by Amorim. Incredibly, Chelsea were more than happy to snap him up.
A £40m bid was accepted and Amorim finally got rid of a player who was proving to be more hassle than he was worth. When Garnacho returned to Old Trafford in September, the Stretford End let Garnacho know what they thought of his behaviour.
The 22-year-old made 24 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season, scoring just once. Xabi Alonso's arrival at Stamford Bridge now looks to have spelt the end for Garnacho, with Chelsea keen to move him on and a reported price tag of £42.5m set. No firm offers have yet been received.
No tears were shed when Garnacho left United, and the decision is looking better than ever. Amorim got a lot of things wrong at United, but he deserves credit for getting Garnacho out of the club.