Ruben Amorim Calls Manchester United Title Aspirations 'Crazy' Amid Struggles

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Ruben Amorim has dismissed the idea of Manchester United being contenders for the Premier League title next season. Currently, United sit 13th in the league after their 13th loss of the season to Nottingham Forest. This loss brings them close to matching their record number of defeats in a single season, set in 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag.

With United trailing Liverpool by 36 points and only eight games left, Amorim is realistic about their current position. During a news conference before Sunday's derby with Manchester City, he stated: "We are doing a lot of things. We are putting some standards, and sometimes we change players so they have to adjust to our new standards. I know it is difficult to do that in just one year. I am not saying we are going to win the title next year, I am not crazy. We are suffering a lot to be, next year, a lot better and that is our goal."

Earlier reports this year indicated that United's leadership, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, aims for a title win by 2028. This timeline gives Amorim three years to elevate his team back to the top. However, he acknowledges the challenges ahead: "I know that we are not going to be the biggest contender in the next year or two years," he said. "I know we need to do a lot of things. We are in a rush."

Amorim emphasised his desire for immediate improvement rather than long-term rebuilding: "What I don't want to think is we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can't think like that. I cannot manage that. It is not me." He recognises that teams like Manchester City will continue improving and remain formidable opponents.

To avoid recording their lowest points tally in Premier League history, United must win all remaining eight matches this season. After facing difficulties at Old Trafford initially, Amorim has expressed his desire for support through new signings before his first full campaign as manager.

"I just want to focus on our strengths and then try to use our club to try to bring one or two players, big players," Amorim stated. He clarified that his definition of "big players" might differ from media perceptions.

Additionally, Amorim confirmed Matthijs de Ligt would undergo assessment following an injury against Forest while expressing hope for Kobbie Mainoo's readiness.