Amorim publicly apologizes to Manchester United fans! Admits mistakes and owes fans, but hints at unspoken reasons

During his introductory press conference with AC Milan, the 41-year-old Ruben Amorim acknowledged errors in his time as Manchester United manager and publicly apologized to the club's fans. It is the first time the Portuguese coach has spoken directly to United supporters since his January dismissal.

Appointed as AC Milan's new head coach on June 16, Amorim only started work this week. Speaking at his unveiling ceremony in Milan on Wednesday, he said: "I made some mistakes—it's hard to list them all. I didn't have the chance to say anything to the Manchester United fans at the time, and I regret that. I'm very proud to have been their coach for a year, but things are different now."

However, Amorim hinted that his issues were not without cause, suggesting there are unspoken factors. "Those mistakes are difficult to explain because to truly clarify them, I'd have to lay out every circumstance from that period. But I learned a lot at Manchester United. In that experience, I could have done better, but sometimes that's just how it is. You have to find the right position to reach new heights. With the experience gained, I can handle many things better now."

Manchester United paid an €11 million (approximately £9.5 million) release clause to pry Amorim away from Sporting Lisbon. Having won two league titles with Sporting and led them to Champions League victories over Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, he was once one of the most highly regarded coaches in Europe.

However, the team's performances showed no improvement under Amorim. At the start of the season, United were only four points off the top four, but they ultimately finished 15th in the league with 42 points—the club's worst Premier League era result and their lowest points total since relegation in the 1973/74 season.

In January, Amorim's relationship with club football director Jason Wilcox broke down, leading to his dismissal by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's management team. In June, Berrada pointed out that Amorim's stubbornness caused his own troubles as Manchester United manager. Nonetheless, the United executive still respected Amorim's contribution to improving the dressing room culture.

Amorim concluded: "My view is that everyone can learn from their experiences. I learned a lot, made mistakes, and will try to improve myself—but some things can never be changed. I believe I will become better, and that's all."

AC Milan finished fifth in Serie A last season, missing out on the Champions League after an upset loss on the final matchday, which led to the dismissal of former coach Massimiliano Allegri. The Rossoneri appear ready to fully support Amorim; in June, they signed striker Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a club-record transfer fee.

Milan will begin their 2026/27 Serie A campaign on August 23 against Torino. A week before that, Amorim will lead his team against his former club Manchester United in Poland, their final pre-season friendly.

Discussing his new role, Amorim expressed his dream in red and black. "It's an honor to be at AC Milan. I'm very happy. I can feel how much people here love the club. I like Milanello; I think it has deep history and a peaceful atmosphere," Amorim said. "People say it's old—I like that historical style, everything kept as it was. I also like the staff there; it makes me feel at home. I've followed Milan since I was a child, so this means a lot to me. It's a tough challenge to face."

Amorim also said his experience at Manchester United has fueled his determination to prove himself. "The belief I had at Sporting still exists, but now my desire is even stronger," he explained. "Maybe because of my time at Manchester United, I'm more hungry for success. I believe in myself and even more in the club. I know Serie A is tough, and I need to deeply understand Italian football. I think I learn quickly, and I'll strive to maintain that."

Manchester United are also pleased that Amorim has found a new job, as the club no longer has to continue paying his and his coaching staff's wages for the remaining one year of his contract.