Finally, an apology: Amorim admits all of his Manchester United mistakes
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 09.07.26. | 16:35
Former Red Devils boss reflects on his difficult spell at Old Trafford as he begins a new chapter with AC Milan
Ruben Amorim has broken his silence over his turbulent spell at Manchester United, admitting he made mistakes at Old Trafford and apologising to the club's supporters for never addressing them before his departure.
The Portuguese coach, who was appointed AC Milan's new manager on June 16, spoke candidly during his official unveiling on Wednesday, describing his year in Manchester as a valuable learning experience despite its disappointing outcome.
"It is hard to explain the mistakes. It is hard to tell you about every mistake, but I learned a lot," Amorim said.
"I made some mistakes. I didn't have the opportunity to say something to the Manchester United fans at that moment, and I am sorry for that. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year, but now it is a different history.
"There are a lot of things that I could have done better in my last experience. But sometimes it is like that. You have to learn to find the right spots to reach a different level."
Amorim arrived at Old Trafford with a glowing reputation after leading Sporting CP to two Portuguese league titles, with United paying around €11 million to secure one of Europe's most sought-after young coaches.
The move, however, failed to deliver the turnaround many expected. United slid to 15th in the Premier League, their lowest finish of the modern era, collecting just 42 points - the club's worst top-flight return since the 1973-74 campaign that ended in relegation.
His reign came to an end after just 14 months, with Manchester United's hierarchy, led by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, opting to dismiss the 41-year-old following growing tensions behind the scenes.
Berrada later suggested Amorim's unwavering commitment to his football philosophy ultimately worked against him, saying the Portuguese coach had "cornered himself" by refusing to compromise. Nevertheless, he praised Amorim for improving the atmosphere within the dressing room and acknowledged his role in laying foundations that helped successor Michael Carrick guide United back into the Champions League.
Amorim now begins a fresh challenge in Italy with Milan, who finished fifth in Serie A last season and have already strengthened their squad with the club-record signing of striker Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain. The Rossoneri open their league campaign against Torino on August 23.