Amorim Reflects on ‘Rollercoaster’ First Year as Manchester United Show Signs of Progress

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim described his first year in charge as a “rollercoaster journey” but said he remains proud of sticking to his footballing principles as the team begin to show consistent improvement.

The Portuguese coach, who marks his one-year anniversary at Old Trafford next month, has faced heavy scrutiny for his tactical approach but appears to have turned a corner. United have now won three straight Premier League matches for the first time under his leadership, climbing to sixth in the table on 16 points — six behind leaders Arsenal and one ahead of reigning champions Liverpool.

“It was a journey, a big journey. It was really tough. Good moments, bad moments. I learned a lot, that is really important,” Amorim told reporters ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

“I learned that even in my lower moments I can stick with the things I believe, and that is a good thing for anyone to understand. Today, the answer is different from three weeks ago. It is one of the big honours of my life to be here and I want to continue here for many years.”

Amorim Responds to Dyche Dig

Amorim also addressed comments made earlier this year by Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, who suggested United would have enjoyed better results under Amorim with a more traditional 4-4-2 system.

“I always say that I have a way of playing that is going to take a while, and then in the future it is going to be better,” Amorim said. “We don’t know that. I can look at Sean Dyche as a manager and a pundit. If you are a pundit and you don’t say very strong things, I don’t want to watch you.

“I can completely understand that it is a different job. I know Sean Dyche is smart and he knows how to play the game. He understands that there is one thing seeing the game and talking about it, and another thing to coach a team.”

Injury Updates

Amorim said he remains uncertain whether defender Harry Maguire will be fit to face Forest, while Lisandro Martínez — who has returned to full training after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in February — is still not ready for selection.

United travel to the City Ground looking to extend their winning run and further solidify their resurgence after a turbulent first year under Amorim’s leadership.