Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has insisted that the club are in a rush to improve and challenge at the top of the Premier League.
Despite arriving with high expectations from fans, Amorim has failed to hit top gear with the Red Devils currently occupying the 13th spot. United are 36 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, with just eight games to go.
However, Amorim said he hoped United would show some tangible improvements by next season. United take on rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, April 5.
Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund applaud the fans after the draw during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on March 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Amorim said: “I understand, but I’m not naïve. I don’t want to think we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can’t think like that, I cannot manage that, it’s not in me. That’s why I’m putting pressure on myself.
“I know we won’t be the biggest challengers in the next year or two years. We are changing a lot of things inside the club and we know it will take a lot of time, but I will not say I need a lot of years.
“Next year is our goal. I’m not saying we’re going to win the title in the next year, I’m not crazy.
“I’m saying I don’t want this conversation that we need a lot of years and let’s keep it calm – no, we are in a rush. We are suffering a lot for next year to be so much better.
“I don’t want to be the guy that is sitting here saying we need a lot of time. I will not be that coach.”
Amorim acknowledged that the clubs ahead of his side will get better next season and that he would like to bring in “one or two big players” to strengthen the United squad.
“All the teams, they are already in a place where we need a lot to catch them and they will improve again next season. I want to focus on our strengths and then use our club to try and bring in one or two big players in,” said Amorim.
“I cannot manage saying in three years, we still try something. For me, we will start next season. We need to be so much better because this is a massive club and I want to put that pressure on me and everybody here.”
United will be facing a tough side in Manchester City on Sunday and Amorim will be hoping his side will play at their highest level following their midweek loss to Nottingham Forest.
