Ruben Amorim takes jab at Man Utd squad – 'It's no problem to say it'

Ruben Amorim has openly acknowledged the current state of Manchester United, conceding that while they are a “massive club”, they are “not a massive team” as he embarks on the task of restoring their former glory.

Following his first loss at the helm—a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal—Amorim reflected on the reality check for United, who haven’t won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.

As the sixth permanent manager post-Ferguson, Amorim faces the daunting challenge of reviving the 20-time champions. Despite United’s staggering global fanbase and undeniable historical success, Amorim candidly admitted the team’s decline on the pitch, emphasizing the need for recognition and hard work to reclaim their elite status.

“I think that is very clear,” Amorim stated. “We’re a massive club, but we’re not a massive team and we know it, so it’s no problem to say it.

“That [perception of United as a massive club] will not change, because this club has glories in the past. Our players have to understand that it’s a very difficult position.

“We’re not one of the best teams in the league and we have to say and think that clearly, but our past, our club, is maybe the best one in the league.

“So here we have a problem. We have to focus on the little things and little details. If you think about everything, then it will be a problem, so think about the little details and then we will improve it as a team.”

The United boss also highlighted the gap between his side and Arsenal, saying, “We want to improve, but we are in a different moment from Arsenal. You could feel it during the game and I think we have to believe more.

“We weren’t dominant in the game, but we had control. There were not so many chances for Arsenal, of course a lot of set pieces, but we were okay, especially in the first-half.

“You could feel that there’s so much to do – we need to be better in the final third and they had more danger.

“Arsenal had problems to block our build-up, but then when they defended their goal, it was quite comfortable for them, so we are learning and trying to improve.”

The Portuguese manager stressed the importance of a strong work ethic, insisting, “It’s impossible to win the Premier League without a team like that,” and added, “One that, in every moment, runs back and runs forward.

“If you want to win, you have to do it. Even with the best starting line-up on the planet, without running, they will not win anything, that is very clear.

“So if we want to win the Premier League, we have to run like mad dogs. If not, we’re not going to do it.

“The problem to be fit enough is if they can cope with that. If they are used to it in training, they will do that in games. They’re professional athletes, so they can improve this.

“We can improve in every aspect of the game. I think the way we sprint back, the way we sprint forward, the way we fight, we have to be very clear with the team.”