Speaking in the pre match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Czech Republic side Viktoria Plzeň, Ruben Amorin’s comments reflect both the high-pressure environment at Manchester United and his ambitious vision for the club.
“This is a massive club. If you don’t win, the coach goes, the players go!”
“We want to take this club to winning the Premier League and to be an elite club like this club should be. That is the main goal of this club.”
Ruben Amorim was also asked whether winning the Europa League is the priority to which he responded, “I cannot focus on that. Our goal is to win the Premier League.”
By emphasising the club’s size and its inherent demand for success—“If you don’t win, the coach goes, the players go!”—Amorim acknowledges the intense scrutiny that comes with managing one of the world’s biggest football institutions. This highlights not only the expectations but also the culture of accountability deeply ingrained in such a storied club. Many elite managers have come and gone since Sir Alex Ferguson departed in 2013. None of them managed to return a Premier League title in that period.
His declaration that the club’s “main goal” is winning the Premier League is bold and sets a clear standard. Amorim’s focus on restoring United’s status as an “elite club” resonates with fans’ longing for a return to glory days, particularly given the club’s struggles to consistently compete at the top level in recent years. This vision contrasts with merely settling for smaller victories like the Europa League, signaling his intent to prioritise the domestic league—the most prestigious measure of consistency and excellence.
Amorim didn’t outright dismiss the Europa League but focusing on the competition could provide a clear pathway to Champions League qualification if league form continues to stutter. Amorim will be well aware of this but it is also refreshing to hear his main ambition is to deliver league success. Ask any Manchester United fan which competition they want to see progress in the most and the majority will tell you the Premier League. Amorim delivered Sporting’s first league title in 19 years in 2021 and United fans will be hoping he can have a similar impact at Old Trafford. Inconsistent form and the eleven year wait so far has not convinced the fanbase the club can quickly return to the pinnacle of domestic football. Manchester United now have a manager who speaks of having the “belief” to achieve success. It’s now about building and convincing a team to also have that belief.
United now have a young, hungry and progressive coach whose statements exude confidence, determination, and a clear understanding of the stakes. The anticipated ‘new manager bounce’ under Amorim didn’t quite materialise and fans feel this team is certainly more capable and better than the results they are returning. Amorim is here for the long haul but make no mistake, his focus on long-term goals will need to be supported by immediate results to maintain trust and credibility in such a demanding environment.