Ruben Amorim Explains Why He Might Leave Manchester United | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim Remains Defiant After Europa League Final Loss to Tottenham

In the aftermath of Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final, Ruben Amorim cut a calm, if defiant, figure. Despite the result ensuring United will miss out on European competition entirely next season, the Portuguese manager was unequivocal about his commitment to his role, while making a startling declaration: he would leave the club without demanding any compensation if the board chose to part ways.

Amorim’s Vision Unmoved by Setback

There are few occasions in football when a manager publicly strips down the financial safety net around his tenure. “Let’s see. I am always open, if the board and fans feel I am not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation. But I will not quit,” Amorim said. In a sport dictated by contracts, clauses and exit negotiations, his stance is remarkable and perhaps even refreshing.

This was not just a throwaway line but a clear statement of his footballing philosophy and personal integrity. “I am really confident on my job. As you see I will not change nothing in the way I do things,” he added, underlining his resolve to stay true to his methods, even when the results aren’t forthcoming.

Photo IMAGO

Europa League Defeat Highlights Deeper Issues

The match in Bilbao was far from a classic. Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal ultimately sealed victory for Spurs, but it was United’s lack of cutting edge in the final third that stood out. Guglielmo Vicario was called into action to deny Alejandro Garnacho and Luke Shaw, while Micky van de Ven cleared off the line acrobatically. Still, United rarely looked like genuine contenders to equalise.

Amorim’s claim that United were “better than the opponent” might raise a few eyebrows, but there was some merit to it, at least in terms of possession and territorial dominance. “We didn’t perform perfect today but we were better than the opponent. In the second half we tried everything,” he said. However, the lack of incision and goals has been a recurring theme in Amorim’s short spell in charge, one that has seen little in the way of tangible progress.

Premier League Plunge Adds Pressure

Perhaps more concerning than a one-off defeat in a European final is Manchester United’s domestic plight. As things stand, they sit 16th in the Premier League heading into the final weekend of the season. That statistic alone paints a dire picture of a squad that has not responded to managerial change since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November.

Despite inheriting a team in disarray, expectations were high for the former Sporting CP boss. Known for his tactical clarity and commitment to high pressing, Amorim was expected to inject discipline and modernity into United’s game. Results, however, have been elusive, and questions are now being asked about whether he is the right fit for a club that continues to search for identity and direction.

Faith, Not Results, Is Amorim’s Current Currency

What Amorim lacks in points and silverware, he currently attempts to replace with belief. “I have nothing to show to the fans, so in this moment it is a little bit of faith,” he admitted. It’s a sobering admission for any manager at a club the size of Manchester United, where history and ambition weigh heavily on every decision.

Yet there’s something stubbornly admirable in Amorim’s approach. He is not panicking. He is not blaming the players or the board. He remains convinced his methods will yield success, if only given time. Whether that time will be afforded to him is a question only the board can answer.

For now, Ruben Amorim remains in place, his principles intact, but his future uncertain. Manchester United, once the standard-bearers of English football, must now decide whether faith alone is enough to bridge the growing gap between past glories and present realities.