Amorim: Manchester United Players ‘Can’t Hide’ After Being Booed Off in Malaysia

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim expressed on Thursday that his players cannot “hide” following a disappointing season that took another downturn when they were jeered off the pitch after a friendly loss in Malaysia.

United ended the Premier League campaign in 15th place and failed to secure any trophies, before heading out on Sunday for a series of lucrative friendly matches in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

However, if his squad hoped for a change of fortunes in Asia, they were sadly mistaken, as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against a Southeast Asian XI in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.

The players left the field amid a chorus of boos and are now set to face Hong Kong’s representative team in another friendly on Friday.

“We’ve experienced the season we’ve had, and it’s challenging to confront fans around the globe. This is a difficult moment for us, and we aim to conclude the season,” said Amorim, reflecting on the tour at the tail end of a long and lacklustre campaign.

“At the same time, we want to offer something to our supporters. We’re travelling, and there’s little time to acclimatise or to engage with fans and provide them with what they truly deserve.”

“It’s evident that we cannot hide… The most important aspect of this club is that we must face our fans during this moment and deliver for our supporters across the globe.”

Amorim, who stepped in for Erik ten Hag during the season but struggled to evoke a turnaround in performances, remarked that his ensemble of first-team players and youngsters was “not really focused” during Wednesday’s match.

“Everyone can sense it. I understand the fans’ frustration, I empathise with the players and we all recognise our desire to provide something for the fans, but it’s particularly difficult at this time,” he commented.

The 40-year-old Portuguese manager noted that he has discovered that being at the helm of Manchester United entails being “more than just a coach.”

“You must evolve as an individual and as a leader. Sometimes, after the matches, you notice my frustration; I’m trying to manage that.”

“When results are in your favour, managing everything becomes significantly easier,” he added.

With torrential rain battering the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium on the eve of the game, Amorim will be keen to avoid any new injuries as they wrap up the season.

“The weather seems like Manchester, so it feels like home,” Amorim quipped.

“If we maintain professionalism and concentrate on the game, it’s the best way to safeguard our players from injuries,” he concluded.