Jose Mourinho has thrown his weight behind struggling Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, urging patience as the young manager battles to revive the club’s disastrous season. The Fenerbahce coach, who led United between 2016 and 2018, revealed his support for Amorim during an interview with Sky Sports, describing him as a “good kid” while acknowledging the monumental task he faces at Old Trafford.
Amorim, appointed in November after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, has overseen a dismal run of eight defeats in 16 Premier League games, leaving United 14th and out of FA Cup contention. With the Europa League now their only hope for silverware and a potential Champions League lifeline, pressure is mounting on the Portuguese manager. Mourinho, however, insists Amorim deserves time to turn the tide.
“He’s a good kid,” Mourinho said. “Always very respectful to me. We had a good relationship for a few years. He knows I wish him well.”
United’s worries extend beyond the pitch, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe facing backlash over embarrassing and petty cost-cutting measures. Hundreds of staff redundancies, slashed ambassadorial salaries, and scrapped cup minor perks have drawn ire from the fans, at times even sparking protests including ticket price hikes. Mourinho enjoys a good relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, admitted sympathy for affected employees but stopped short of criticizing the billionaire’s approach.
“To be honest, I don’t know much about what’s happening,” Mourinho said. “I know Sir Jim Ratcliffe. I’m not saying we’re big friends, but we have a good relationship. He invited me to his house a couple of times. I see him as a good person and a great businessman. Of course, I feel for some of the people I know but hopefully, it goes in the right direction.”
Despite the chaos around him, Amorim remains defiant. Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, he brushed off speculation about his future, insisting he’s still the right man for the job.
“Yes, I believe I can turn this around. We have to think of the club as a long project. Winning the Europa League would put us in an amazing position for the future,” Amorim said.
United’s European campaign offers a glimmer of hope. Mourinho, chasing a fifth major European trophy with Fenerbahce, could face his former club in the semi-finals. But he dismissed any notion of seeking “revenge,” stating, “In my mind, I never feel about revenge. I never have that feeling because when I leave a club, I prefer to remember my good times at the club.”
For Amorim, though, there’s no room for nostalgia. With an already thin squad due to injuries and lack of major activity in the transfer window, a fanbase growing restless, Thursday’s trip to San Sebastian isn’t just about going ahead in the competition but proving that he can rebuild United to the ambitious titles he dreams.