Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s head coach, has made it clear that his sole focus is on securing a win against Wolverhampton in the upcoming Premier League clash. The Portuguese manager emphasized that even Christmas celebrations take a backseat to the importance of victory.
United, coming off a rollercoaster of results—including a 2-1 derby win over Manchester City, a 4-3 loss to Tottenham in the EFL Cup, and a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford—are set to face Wolverhampton on Thursday in the 18th round of the Premier League.
One of the hot topics surrounding United has been Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the squad in their last three matches. Amorim addressed these speculations in today’s press conference, expressing his commitment to helping Rashford regain his form.
Speaking about Rashford, Amorim said:
“Like any player, he can return to his best form. If you have a lot of talent, you’re expected to take on greater responsibility and perform better. Some players carry significant responsibility here because they’ve been part of the club for a long time. We might be experiencing one of the toughest periods in the club’s history, so we need to face it head-on and stay strong.”
When asked about his communication with Rashford, Amorim explained:
“Have I spoken to him? I talk to him every day, not about his recent interview but about his performance and gameplay.”
Amorim’s Goals at United
Amorim emphasized that his primary aim is to win games, despite the long-term project in place:
“I just want to win matches. I understand there’s a long-term plan, and we’re focused on it, but at big clubs, you don’t get much time. You must win. I have a clear vision and am fully aware of my responsibilities with this team.”
Rashford’s Desire to Play
When asked if Rashford wants to play, Amorim confirmed:
“Yes, he wants to play. But ultimately, it’s my decision—I’m the one in charge.”
On Christmas and Boxing Day Matches
Amorim dismissed the cultural significance of playing during Christmas, focusing solely on results:
“I only want to win. I don’t care about Christmas—nothing. My focus is entirely on winning the next game. We’ll play on Boxing Day to bring some joy to our fans, and we’re eager to secure another victory.”
Handling Challenges at United
Amorim concluded by acknowledging the challenges he faces and his approach to solving them:
“I know exactly what I need to do—it’s very clear to me. That’s why I am who I am. I won’t say I’m calm because, like the fans, I’m incredibly frustrated, but I know how to proceed. We need to solve some issues step by step and find answers to everything. It’s a tough time, and we understand the fans. We’ll deal with this situation together.”
