Ruben Amorim reportedly left Manchester United‘s commercial chiefs unimpressed after his infamous comment that his side were “the worst team in the history of the club”.
The 39-year-old generated huge headlines with his controversial press conference after United’s 3-1 home defeat to Brighton last month, which he later backtracked on after being pressed by reporters.
“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United,” he said. “I know you [media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”
His words dominated sports news stories and led to criticism from pundits, with Jamie Carragher claiming it was “one of the most bizarre and ridiculous things I’ve heard a manager say”.
After being quizzed on his words just days later, he replied: “The way [I said it], clearly, I have a responsibility and I need to think sometimes about the way I say things. I do it all the time but in that time it was really hard for me.
“I think I have good things in the way I deal with everything, but sometimes I make some mistakes, it’s really hard for me to hide the frustration in some moments and it’s really hard to lose and sometimes you cannot control yourself.”
According to the Daily Mail, the club’s commercial team were irked by his comments, with one saying: “We’re trying to do deals and sell the United dream and he comes out with this. Not helpful.”
It is the latest setback for Amorim, who has had a nightmare start to life as United boss since succeeding Erik ten Hag in October.
He’s suffered eight defeats in the Premier League, winning just four, with two successive losses against Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
Amorim has struggled to implement his demanding new 3-4-3 system and is now gripping with a difficult injury situation that has seen Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte and Lisandro Martinez fall to various fitness issues.
Up next for United is a tricky trip to Everton to face ex-boss David Moyes before a home game against Ipswich Town in midweek.
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