​Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has issued a public apology to the club’s supporters, while offering a candid reflection on his time in charge. Amorim was dismissed in January after an especially turbulent 14-month spell in the Old Trafford dugout. Appointed with high expectations following his successful stint at Sporting CP in Portugal, he immediately faced difficulties at United. He oversaw a historic low, guiding the team to 15th place in the Premier League, and also suffered a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Despite the grim start, Amorim received backing from the club over the summer, and the 2025/26 season began with more positive signs. Yet the sense of security proved temporary, and United never fully escaped ongoing uncertainties. In the run-up to the January window, tensions with the club’s hierarchy grew, highlighted by clashes with director of football Jason Wilcox. Leaked accounts at the time suggested that the disputes revolved around Amorim’s perceived tactical rigidity and his choices of transfer targets.
After the 1-1 draw with Leeds, Amorim was dismissed, his post-match press conference having appeared to publicly criticise the club’s top brass. Michael Carrick was brought in initially on an interim basis to replace the Portuguese coach, and he later earned the permanent position in May after guiding United to third place and securing Champions League football.
Meanwhile, Amorim has taken up a role as Massimiliano Allegri’s successor at AC Milan, announced last month. He was officially presented by Milan on Wednesday and used the moment to apologise to United supporters for not bidding them a proper farewell, admitting that he had made mistakes. He 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 am sorry for that—to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment.” He added, “I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.”
About his new challenge at Milan, Amorim remarked, “It’s an honour to be here [at AC Milan]. I’m so happy. I can feel that here people feel the club. I love Milanello; I think the place has history, it’s quiet. People say that it is old. I love that kind of old; everything is there. I love the staff. I feel at home.” He further noted, “I have followed Milan since I was young, so it’s personal. It’s a hard challenge. The belief I had at Sporting is the same belief I bring now, only with a bit more hunger.” He added, “Perhaps because of the last adventure, I am really hungry for success. I believe in myself and, above all, I believe in the club.” He also acknowledged the difficulty of Italian football, saying he realises he must learn the league quickly to succeed.
Recently, Amorim appeared to hint that the United job may have been too large a challenge for him to handle. He suggested he might need time to adapt and expressed a determination to apply the lessons from his brief stint at Old Trafford to future responsibilities. In Milan, he has emphasised his readiness to immerse himself in Italian football, learn rapidly, and contribute to the club’s ambitions with renewed focus and a strengthened mindset.