Ruben Amorim has used his first press conference as AC Milan head coach to deliver a heartfelt apology to Manchester United supporters — acknowledging that his time at Old Trafford did not go the way either he or the club had hoped.
"I am sorry I didn't have the opportunity to say something to the Manchester United fans," the 41-year-old said at the San Siro on Wednesday. "I made some mistakes. I am really proud to have been their coach for a year, but I also understand that results were not good enough."
The Portuguese coach joined United from Sporting CP in November 2024 and departed this summer after a turbulent twelve months that included struggles in the Premier League, early cup exits, and a consistent failure to implement the high-pressing 3-4-2-1 system that had made him one of Europe's most sought-after managers.
A Painful Exit from Old Trafford
Amorim's departure from Manchester United was confirmed in the final weeks of the 2025-26 season with the club finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table. Despite significant investment in new players, results never improved to the level expected. His attempts to replicate the system that worked brilliantly at Sporting CP could not be translated to the pace and physicality of the English top flight.
What made the final months particularly damaging was the public nature of the breakdown. Several heavy home defeats at Old Trafford, combined with an inability to find consistent selection and a style that supporters could identify with, ultimately made his position untenable.
New Beginnings at AC Milan
"I am very excited to be here," Amorim said at his Milan unveiling. "AC Milan is one of the greatest clubs in the history of world football. I want to bring everything I have learned — from Sporting, from England — and build something the fans can be proud of."
Serie A's more tactical, structured nature may suit his philosophy far better than the Premier League's relentless physicality. AC Milan finished third in Serie A last season and are targeting a title challenge. The club believe Amorim's organisational qualities and man-management skills — highly rated at Sporting — can help stabilise a squad that has underperformed relative to its talent level in recent years.
What United Fans Make of It
The apology was received with mixed feelings by United supporters. Many appreciated the honesty and the acknowledgement of mistakes, while others felt the brief tenure had set the club back further. One thing is certain: both parties are better for drawing a line and starting fresh.
Whether Amorim can restore his reputation in Italy remains to be seen. The football world will be watching his first months in Milan with great interest.
Source: Sky Sports / Goal.com | Image: Ruben Amorim, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0) | soloscore.com
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