Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim addressed the media ahead of his team’s Boxing Day Premier League clash against Wolves at Molineux. Following a disappointing loss to Bournemouth, Amorim shared insights on squad rotation, Marcus Rashford’s situation, and his strategy for navigating a challenging season. Premier League resurgence emerged as a recurring theme throughout the press conference.
Facing Wolves and Vitor Pereira
Amorim began by discussing Wolves’ new manager, Vitor Pereira, his Portuguese compatriot. “He’s a great coach who has won titles in Portugal and understands the demands of managing big clubs,” Amorim remarked. He acknowledged that Pereira would prepare meticulously for the game despite Wolves’ struggles, promising that United would also be ready to counter their efforts.
Squad Rotation and Player Fitness
Addressing concerns about frequent squad rotations, Amorim clarified his reasoning. “I’m not rotating for the future; it’s about avoiding injuries,” he explained. He cited examples such as Matthijs de Ligt’s illness and Harry Maguire’s limited match fitness, emphasizing the need for fresh legs in a packed schedule. “If injuries pile up, it becomes a massive problem. My focus is on winning games while managing the players’ workload.”
Amorim acknowledged the mounting pressure on a club of United’s stature, saying, “At big clubs, time is a luxury we don’t have. I know the responsibility I carry here, and I’m addressing the issues step by step.”
Marcus Rashford’s Situation
When questioned about Marcus Rashford’s absence from the Bournemouth match and his recent interview, Amorim downplayed any tension. “I speak with my players every day about performance, not interviews,” he said. He reaffirmed his authority over team selection, stating, “It’s my decision whether Marcus plays or not. He wants to play, but I’m doing things my way, which is the only way I know.”
Amorim dismissed concerns about Rashford being a distraction. “For us, it’s not an issue. The players understand the situation, and my message is clear. My focus is on the team and ensuring we push forward together.”
Responding to Fan Frustration
Amorim expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of United fans, despite the team sitting 13th in the Premier League table. “The fans are incredible. Their frustration is understandable, and we know we need to improve,” he said. He emphasized that the responsibility lies with the team, not the supporters. “They don’t need to do more; it’s up to us to deliver results and repay their loyalty.”
Boxing Day and Premier League Struggles
Reflecting on the festive football schedule, Amorim said, “It’s great for the fans, and we adapt. Our focus is on winning the next match and bringing them happiness.”
When asked why a club of United’s stature is struggling, Amorim responded candidly. “It’s a tough moment, and the responsibility is mine. We cannot accept this as normal. We need to focus on solutions, step by step, and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Amorim ended on a determined note, vowing to fight through the challenges and steer United back on track.
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