Ruben Amorim has taken a glass-half-full view of Manchester United’s absence from next season’s Champions League, calling it an opportunity rather than a setback.
After a season that ended with United finishing 15th in the Premier League and falling short in the Europa League final, the new manager is already turning his focus to what comes next.
Speaking after their final league game, a win over Aston Villa, Amorim said missing out on European football could actually work in United’s favor.
“I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform well, to perform better, to prepare better for the games,” he explained. “To build that core that we need for the future so I think it’s a good thing for us to take advantage not to have European games.”
That message is aimed at a fanbase still reeling from a historically bad campaign. Amorim took over mid-season, managing a brief improvement early on, but things quickly unraveled. Despite the disappointment, the manager is convinced the lack of midweek European games will give his squad the time and focus to regroup and rebuild.
One player Amorim is clearly counting on is Bruno Fernandes. The club captain hinted at doubts over his future after United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham. Amorim, however, made it clear that Fernandes remains central to his plans.
“In difficult moments you can see that Bruno is the guy that takes that responsibility,” he said. “It should be, because he’s the captain, he has that experience so he’s really important for us and really important for what we want to build with this team.”
Amorim also used his post-match comments to address supporters directly, apologizing for the poor season but urging unity moving forward.
“I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and with the team,” he said. “The second thing I want to say is thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season and I know that was really hard.”
The Portuguese coach acknowledged the emotional toll this campaign has taken but insisted it’s time to look ahead.
“We fight each other, or we stick together and move forward. Six months ago, in my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you, ‘The storm is coming.’ Today, after this disaster season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.”
Despite a chaotic season, Ruben Amorim Manchester United is a project he still believes in. Now, without the pressure of European competition, the focus is solely on turning things around in the league.
