A solemn Ruben Amorim took centre stage at Old Trafford, offering a heartfelt apology to Manchester United supporters after a season defined by turmoil, disappointment, and disillusionment finally came to a close with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.
The win brought little solace to a fanbase still reeling from the club’s lowest Premier League finish in history, a grim 15th place, their worst top-flight standing since the 1973-74 relegation campaign. Days earlier, United had fallen to Tottenham in the Europa League final, capping off a forgettable year both on and off the pitch.
But amid protest banners, internal upheaval, and hundreds of job cuts behind the scenes, Amorim took the microphone post-match in an attempt to unite a fractured club. “First of all, I want to apologise for this season,” he said. “I know you are really disappointed in me and in the team.”
His address, delivered with honesty and vulnerability, struck a chord. “We are very grateful for your support during the season, and I know it was really hard to support us in many games,” Amorim continued. “But now we have to make a choice… we fight each other or we stick together and move forward.”
Appointed in November following his successful stint at Sporting CP, the Portuguese coach inherited a squad low on confidence and cohesion after Erik ten Hag’s sacking. His warning upon arrival that tougher times might still lie ahead, proved prophetic.
The campaign was riddled with inconsistency, boardroom unrest, and fan discontent. Yet the subdued win hinted at a potential turning point. Amorim’s call for unity wasn’t just a message, it was a plea for healing.
Now, with the season behind them, United face a summer of reckoning. The road to redemption won’t be quick, but with Amorim at the helm and the right backing, the rebuild may finally begin.
