Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has ignited a spark of urgency at Old Trafford, declaring his impatience for the team to rapidly improve and once again contend for Premier League titles. Speaking with characteristic boldness ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated Manchester derby against reigning champions Manchester City, the Portuguese manager made it clear that he is not prepared to wait years for success.
While reports earlier this year suggested the club’s hierarchy had a long-term strategy, dubbed ‘Mission 21’, aiming for their 21st league title by 2028, Amorim is setting a much more aggressive timeline. He emphasized his desire to see significant progress as early as next season, which is just over four months away.
“I understand the plan, but I’m not naive,” Amorim stated firmly during his pre-match press conference. “I don’t want to think we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can’t think like that, it’s not in me. That’s why I’m putting pressure on myself.”
Amorim acknowledged the current gap between Manchester United and the league’s top teams, admitting, “I know we won’t be the biggest challengers in the next year or two years. We are changing a lot of things inside the club, and we know it will take time.” However, he vehemently rejected the notion of a prolonged rebuilding phase. “I will not say I need a lot of years. Next year is our goal,” he declared.
Dispelling any misunderstanding of his ambition, Amorim clarified, “I’m not saying we’re going to win the title in the next year, I’m not crazy. I’m saying I don’t want this conversation that we need a lot of years and let’s keep it calm – no, we are in a rush. We are suffering a lot for next year to be so much better.”
The former Sporting CP manager was resolute in his stance. “I don’t want to be the guy sitting here saying we need a lot of time. I will not be that coach,” he asserted. He recognized the challenge posed by established rivals, noting, “All the teams, they are already in a place where we need a lot to catch them, and they will improve again next season.”
Amorim outlined his strategy for bridging this gap: “I want to focus on our strengths and then use our club to try and bring in one or two big players in.” He underlined the urgency of the situation, stating, “I cannot manage saying in three years, we still try something. For me, we will start next season. We need to be so much better because this is a massive club, and I want to put that pressure on me and everybody here.”
Ahead of the derby clash, Amorim provided a mixed injury update. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is back in training and will be assessed for the game, although he is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes. However, defender Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a fresh injury concern.
Despite the challenges, Amorim remains focused on the immediate task at hand against their fierce rivals. Manchester United currently sit in 13th position in the Premier League. Amorim will be aiming to secure his second derby victory of the season, having overseen a surprise 2-1 win against City earlier in the campaign. However, he downplayed that previous success, stating that his focus is on building long-term competitiveness rather than celebrating individual wins.
Amorim’s bold pronouncements signal a clear shift in mentality at Manchester United. His demand for rapid improvement will undoubtedly put pressure on the players, the coaching staff, and the club’s hierarchy as they look to close the gap on their rivals and return to the pinnacle of English football.
