The Amorim Sacra Via na United

It has been a tragic season end for both clubs. On a journey of the end, Manchester United and Tottenham, who usually struggle for the summer places of the Premier League, drag themselves through the bottom of the table, in 16th and 17th place, respectively, escaping a black nail to dispromotion. With four losses and a draw, in the last five games for the competition they have only totaled one point each.

But there was one last opportunity for redemption: the Europa League final, which was played last Wednesday in Bilbao. In addition to the trophy itself, the second most important at the European competition level, the conquest of the Europa League gives direct access to the Champions League. It is enough to make the bad results forget.

Despite the delicate situation in which it is – arrived in November 2024 with the objective of raising the club, but only sank it even more – Ruben Amorim seemed relaxed on the eve of all or nothing. When Bruno Fernandes interrupted him at the game’s preview press conference, the coach granted: “He wants to be with my place. It will be a very good coach, but it has to work, the mindset, because it does not know how to deal with people, ”said Amorim.

Win or not, this is the question

The game in Bilbao, however, would not give him many reasons to smile. In this clash of afflicted, the destination was sealed at the end of the first half, 42 minutes, when Brennan Johnson anticipated the United defense and deflected a poisonous cross. The ball still had a bitch on Luke Shaw’s arm and betrayed Onana, who could do nothing. A confused, weird but worth gold goal.

In the second part, the surrender, physical and offensive dynamic capacity of all were worth the United. The statistics are eloquent: _65% possession of the ball of Red Devils (against 35%); 15 shots (against 3); 65 attacks (against 22); 461 passes (against 126). And three great opportunities. In Suma: It was an offensive soccer avalanche from United, against a Tottenham that was locked by seven keys to defend the result.

After the defeat by two goals against West Ham at home two weeks ago, Amorim had already warned that it would not be the Europa League victory to save the season. «In this club it doesn’t matter to win or lose in the Europa League. The problems are much greater ». Still, a different result would undoubtedly have been a consolation for fans. And a board of salvation to which the coach could cling.

‘Don’t worry about me’

« We were the best team on the field, but that is worth not if we do not score goals, » Amorim told SportTV At the end of the Bilbau game. «It was a bit the reflection of our time, in which we scored a few goals. We tried everything, but we couldn’t score. What do I take from here? I don’t take much. At this moment it is difficult to say that I take something. We have to deal with pain, close the season in the last home game and prepare the next season.

At a time when many Portuguese would be questioned as they may be feeling after successive desires (even because we have recently seen Pep Guardiola having bizarre behaviors after a series of city defeats), the Portuguese coach replied: “If I feel with strength to continue? I always feel with strength. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.

After this painful defeat, will Ruben Amorim conditions to continue conducting United destinations? The question is like a kind of cloud, increasingly dark and loaded, which has been hanging over the head of the Portuguese coach practically since his arrival in Manchester. The last sequence, then, is to leave the hair supporters standing: there are eight consecutive games without winning.

At Bilbau’s press conference, Amorim did not escape the question in everyone’s head. «At this moment I ask faith, but I am always open. If direction and fans think I’m not the right man, I leave the next day without any conversation about compensation. But I will not give up ».

Will there still be margin to stay?

Paul Merson, former Arsenal footballer, interpreted the words of the Portuguese – which are actually the confirmation of a rare chivalry in football – as a request to leave. If in Portugal the commentators and guesses abound, in England is no different. « I think Amorim actually doesn’t want to stay, » he told Skysports. « When you come and say ‘I go out tomorrow even without compensation’, that means he wants to end this situation of misery. »

When Amorim arrived at Manchester from Sporting, United was in 13th position, which already brushed the scandalous to a club with united scrolls. During his leadership, he fell three positions and was removed from all the competitions he was in. In December last year, it reached the negative mark of three consecutive losses at home, something that has not happened since 1963.

Who came out in defense of Amorim was the team captain, Bruno Fernandes: « We all agree that he is the right person, » said the Portuguese international. «It did many good things. We know that the coach is evaluated by the results. But obviously, like players, we see that. And he reinforced his idea: _ «I don’t think there is a better person to take office and do this work. I know it’s hard to see that, it’s hard to see it, but I still think it’s the right man to lead the club.

Also Luke Shaw, the team’s influential element, supports the coach: « Amorim is 100% the right man. »

Club sources told Skysports that the resignation is not on the table and that the coach continues to have all the support of the structure.