Ruben Amorim has challenged Manchester United’s hierarchy to allow him work without interference, insisting he was hired to be the manager, not merely the coach.
Speaking after United’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, Amorim hinted at frustrations behind the scenes and suggested he has faced intrusion that would not be accepted by elite managers elsewhere.
He repeatedly stressed he is prepared to leave when his contract expires in 18 months.
“I came here to be the manager, not to be the coach,” Amorim said. “In every department, people need to do their job. I will do mine for 18 months and then we move on. That was the deal.”
The Portuguese coach also suggested the club has become overly sensitive to criticism from former players and pundits.
“If people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club,” he added.
Amorim has faced scrutiny over his preferred back-three system and reports of disagreements with senior figures over tactics and transfers. Asked if he still has the board’s backing, he was defiant.
“I know my name is not Tuchel, Conte or Mourinho, but I’m the manager of Manchester United,” he said. “I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy comes to replace me.”
Despite one win in five matches, Amorim maintains United are moving in the right direction.
His comments now put that relationship under renewed spotlight ahead of Tuesday’s media duties and Wednesday’s trip to Burnley.
