Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has vowed not to step down despite increasing pressure following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League — a result that officially extinguished any hopes of European football next season.
United’s dismal performance at Old Trafford on Wednesday was summed up by Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal, which sealed Champions League qualification for Spurs and left the Red Devils mired in 16th place in the Premier League with one game to play. The result deepens an already grim campaign, further intensifying scrutiny of Amorim’s leadership since taking over from Erik ten Hag in October.
Despite the loss and growing criticism, Amorim expressed confidence in his role, stating, “In this moment, I am not going to be here defending myself, it is not my style. I cannot do it, it is really hard for me.” He added, “If the board and the fans feel that I am not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation.”
The financial implications of missing out on the Champions League are significant. Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe had previously valued qualification at between £80 million and £100 million — a hit United must now absorb amid questions about their transfer strategy and overall direction.
Amorim, however, remains focused on rebuilding. “It is tough for a club like us not to be in the Champions League but now we have to deal with that with a different plan,”* he said. “But that means we have more time… more time to think and work during the week and to be better in the Premier League. This will be our focus.”
Wednesday’s match showcased a lack of urgency from United in the first half, with defensive lapses leading to the decisive goal. Though they rallied late, with Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Luke Shaw all coming close, Spurs held firm.
Amorim lamented the missed chances. “We did not perform perfectly today but we were better than the opponent,” he said. “In the second half we tried everything… I think today was not the day.”
Facing criticism over the team’s trajectory under his leadership, Amorim rejected the idea that United are regressing. “I don’t agree that we are going backwards,” he asserted. “We’ve had some bad results but I think we have improved in certain areas… If we managed to score one, the game should have been different, this press conference should be so different.”
As questions mount, one thing is clear: Amorim’s resolve remains intact, but the pressure is rising.
