Rúben Amorim says he hopes to celebrate many more anniversaries at Manchester United as he prepares to mark one year in charge of the club. United travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday riding a run of three straight Premier League victories – The Guardian report.
The Forest match will mark exactly 12 months since Amorim’s appointment — a year he admits has brought more challenges than triumphs.
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“It was tough, really tough,” Amorim reflected. “Good moments, bad moments — I learned a lot. What matters is that even in my lowest moments, I stayed true to my beliefs. Today, my answers are different than three weeks ago. That shows growth. Being here remains one of the greatest honors of my life, and I want to continue for many years.”
United have been lifted by the return of Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez to training. The center-back has been sidelined since February with a serious knee injury. Although Saturday’s clash comes too soon for him, Amorim welcomed the player’s progress.
“He wanted to be involved, but he needs more time,” Amorim said. “He’s started training with us, though we had to adapt some drills for him. Step by step, he’ll get better. He brings intensity and leadership in every session — that’s huge for us.”
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Meanwhile, Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, expressed optimism about the club’s direction.
“We’ve got a clear plan,” Wilcox said. “We know what needs improving to get into the top four, to challenge for and win the Champions League and Premier League. That means investing in the right players — not just elite talent, but those with the right character who can handle pressure and push the team forward. We’re happy with where we are, but none of us — not the players, not Rúben, not me — are ever satisfied. That’s how we’re built.”
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Saturday’s match also comes months after former Everton boss Sean Dyche suggested he could have won more games than Amorim using a traditional 4-4-2 setup. Both managers have since responded to those comments.
“Maybe it’s true — maybe with 4-4-2 we’d have won more games,” Amorim said with a smile. “But I’ve always said I have my own way of playing. It takes time, but in the future, it will be better.”
Dyche later clarified his remarks, saying the comments were taken out of context.
“Clickbait kills everything,” Dyche said. “I also said managers deserve time. I’ve been there. I respect what Amorim’s building. My point was that sometimes sticking to basics can help, but fair play — he’s adapted well.”
Amorim responded graciously.
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“I know Sean Dyche is smart,” he said. “He understands that talking about football is one thing, coaching a team is another. I have nothing more to add — I just want to win the next game.”