Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted that he does not expect to be afforded the same amount of time to rebuild the club as Mikel Arteta was given at Arsenal. Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford in November after replacing Erik ten Hag, has struggled to turn United’s fortunes around. The Red Devils currently sit 14th in the Premier League and have already been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.
Amorim's Challenge at Old Trafford
Despite United’s struggles, their Europa League campaign remains their only hope for silverware and a possible route to European qualification. However, their next challenge comes against an Arsenal side that is flying high in second place in the league and recently dismantled PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League last 16.
Reflecting on the comparisons between his situation and Arteta’s early struggles at Arsenal, Amorim was candid in his response.
“I don’t feel that. I will not have the time that Arteta had. I feel that. It’s a different club,” he said. “So, we just need to survive with the players on Sunday and during these games. I think in that aspect, the way Arteta dealt with that is an inspiration for everybody. I will not have the time like Arteta had.”
Injury Crisis Adds to United’s Woes
United’s difficulties have been compounded by a growing injury crisis. The club was without 11 first-team players for their recent 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 first leg, with fatigue visibly affecting the squad in the latter stages of the match.
“We need to survive Sunday,” Amorim admitted. “The team was so tired in the last 20 minutes. We have to prepare for Sunday and then think about this important game for our season on Thursday.”
The injury list includes key players such as Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton. Additionally, Patrick Dorgu is suspended, further limiting Amorim’s options.
Fan Protests Against the Glazers
Adding to the pressure on Amorim and his squad is growing unrest among Manchester United supporters. The 1958 fan group has planned a protest against the club’s American owners, the Glazers, around the upcoming Arsenal match. Frustrations over the club’s management and ownership have been brewing for years, with poor performances on the pitch exacerbating the situation.
“I think for everybody in our club it’s a really tough moment,” Amorim admitted. “It’s everything at the same time. The only thing I can do, and our players can do, is perform well and win.”
He acknowledged the fans’ right to express their frustrations, saying, “People have the right to protest. I think it’s a good thing to do that. It’s part of our club. Everybody has a voice. But our job and my job is just to improve the team and give them something in this moment because they deserve it and they are amazing.”
A Crucial Period for Amorim and United
With United’s league position worsening and their European hopes hanging in the balance, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining both Amorim’s future and the club’s trajectory. Facing a dominant Arsenal side on Sunday and then a decisive second-leg clash against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, the Portuguese manager faces one of the toughest weeks of his tenure.
Whether he will be given the time to oversee a full rebuild like Arteta remains to be seen. But for now, Amorim knows that results need to improve quickly if he is to have any chance of proving himself at Old Trafford.
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