​MILAN (AP) — New AC Milan coach Rúben Amorim said his time in charge of Manchester United taught him valuable lessons, including certain mistakes he made that he believes will help him excel in his new role. Speaking at his first news conference since taking the Milan job, Amorim acknowledged that there were missteps during his ill-fated 14-month tenure in the Premier League, which culminated in his dismissal by United in January.
“It’s hard to explain the mistakes because to do that I would have to lay out all the context of the last adventure,” Amorim said. “The only thing I can say is that I learned a lot and I made some mistakes. I didn’t have the opportunity, and I’m sorry for that, to say something to the Manchester United fans. I’m really proud to have coached them for a year during that period. But now is a different chapter. There were many things I could have done better in the last experience, but sometimes it’s like that. You need to learn to find the right moment to reach a higher level, and that’s my aim here.”
Amorim was appointed United coach in November 2024 following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, yet he struggled to reverse the club’s fortunes, finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the 2025 Europa League final to Tottenham. Even before his departure, the former Benfica and Sporting midfielder faced heavy criticism for the 3-4-3 formation he employed and for his limited reliance on academy players.
“Everyone learns from their experiences,” the 41-year-old Portuguese coach said. “I learned a lot. I made some mistakes. There are things I will try to change and there are things you never change. But I believe I will be a better coach.” Under his leadership at United, the club endured several disappointing milestones, including the most losses in a single Premier League season and the lowest points tally in its recent history.
Amorim has now signed a three-year contract to succeed Massimiliano Allegri at Milan, where he inherits a club eager to return to the upper echelons of Italian and European football. He emphasized that his approach will be shaped by the lessons learned in England while adapting to Milan’s realities and ambitions. The Milan board hopes his experience on the Continent and his track record in developing players can help steer the club back toward domestic supremacy and competitive European runs.
As he begins his Milan tenure, Amorim reiterated his commitment to growth, adaptability, and a pragmatic mindset. He stressed that while some principles will remain constant, the specifics of football management—like tactical flexibility, squad rotation, and youth development—will be tuned to fit Milan’s strengths and the challenges of Serie A and continental competition. The expectation is that Amorim will bring a fresh perspective, a willingness to learn from past errors, and a plan oriented toward progression, stability, and renewed ambition for AC Milan.