Amorim: Manchester United Won’t Grant Me the Patience Arsenal Offered Arteta

Ruben Amorim doubts he will receive the same amount of time at Manchester United to effect change as Mikel Arteta did at Arsenal.

The 40-year-old Amorim has encountered challenges since taking the reins from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in November. Currently, the Red Devils sit in 14th place in the Premier League and have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.

The Europa League remains their sole chance for silverware and, realistically, a pathway to continental qualification for a depleted squad gearing up to face an Arsenal side that sits second in the league, riding the momentum of a 7-1 Champions League last-16 victory against PSV Eindhoven.

Arteta has rekindled Arsenal’s strength, making bold decisions that reshaped the squad after his appointment in late 2019, including parting ways with veteran players.

On track for their third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League, Arsenal will visit United this Sunday.

When asked if he perceived any parallels between Arteta’s circumstances and his current role at United, Amorim replied: “I don’t feel that. I won’t have the time that Arteta had. I sense that. It’s a different club.”

“So, we need to focus on surviving with the players we have on Sunday and in these upcoming games.”

“I believe it’s a different club. In that sense, Arteta’s approach is an inspiration for everyone. I certainly won’t have the time Arteta enjoyed.”

United managed a 1-1 draw away to Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

In Spain, they were missing 11 first-team players, which affected their limited options in the 18-man travelling squad, and recent exertions were evident.

“We need to persevere on Sunday,” Amorim said. “The team was incredibly fatigued in the last 20 minutes. We must prepare for Sunday and then shift our focus to this crucial game for our season on Thursday (the return leg against Real Sociedad).”

Amorim does not anticipate any of his injured players returning in time for the Arsenal match, as Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte have now joined an extensive list of absentees at Old Trafford.

Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw remain sidelined, along with Jonny Evans, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton, while Patrick Dorgu is serving a suspension.

A protest against United’s American owners, the Glazers, is scheduled to take place around the match, organised by the 1958 fan group.

“It’s a challenging period for everyone associated with our club,” Amorim commented. “Everything seems to be happening all at once. The only thing we can do is perform well and secure wins.”

“Fans have the right to protest, and I think it’s important to express their views. It’s part of our club’s identity. Everyone has a voice.”

“However, my focus and the team’s focus need to be on improving our performance and delivering results because the players deserve it—they are truly remarkable.”