Rúben Amorim was left frustrated as Manchester United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, lamenting missed chances that could have changed the outcome.
Despite creating several opportunities, United failed to find the back of the net, with James Maddison’s first-half strike proving the difference.
Amorim, however, remained defiant, emphasising that his focus was on the team’s performance rather than personal concerns.
With the league campaign still ongoing, he urged his squad to shift their attention to the next fixture and bounce back swiftly.
PUNCH Online reports that United travel to Goodison Park on Saturday, February 22, to play Everton in match week 26.
His comments were made in a post-match press conference retrieved from the club’s website on Monday morning.
We Had the Opportunities’
It was the biggest difference in the game—they [Tottenham] scored, and we didn’t.
We had the opportunities to score, then in the first half, we pushed a little bit harder,” Amorim said.
We suffered in some transitions trying to get a result, but in the end, they scored and we didn’t. We needed to put the ball in the net because we had some chances, we created some chances, which is the hardest part.
In some games, we are near the box, but we don’t create chances. Today we created the chances, but we need to score to win games.
I Am Not Worried About Me’
Amorim dismissed any concerns about his own position, instead highlighting his commitment to the club and his players.
I am not worried. I understand our fans and what the people and media think about it. I want to finish the league strong. I’m not worried about me, I’m worried about the club, the team, and the players,” he said.
I hate to lose; that feeling is the worst. The rest, I am not thinking about. I just want to help my players. I understand my situation, my job. I am confident in my work, and I just want to win games.
I am more concerned about the club and the team, and our place in the table is my worry. I am not worried about me.”
We Need Your Support’
Amorim also called on United fans to keep faith in the team as they battle through a difficult period.
It [the support of the fans] is really important. Like I said during this week, sometimes it’s really hard to face them at this moment, but we are doing everything—I am doing everything,” he noted.
Sometimes we can do it, sometimes we can’t, but we know they want to see more. They are in a difficult moment, and we are trying everything to turn things around.
We will keep working this week and in the next game—we want to win the next game.
Asked about how the players should approach their upcoming fixtures, he added, “I think the best thing is to forget the past.
Don’t focus on the schedule, don’t focus on the moment, don’t focus on the context.
Just work during the week and prepare for the game. Then it’s the next game, and we will try to win.”
Squad Fitness, Tactical Commitment
Amorim downplayed concerns over injuries and illnesses within the squad, insisting that the team must move forward.
It doesn’t matter—it’s in the past. We want to recover the players, and I think we can get some back for the next game against Everton.
From now until the end of the season, this is how it’s going to be—we have to stick together, finish strong, and then start over,” he stated.
Despite ongoing challenges, the United boss remains committed to his tactical approach, even as injuries force adjustments.
You start with one idea, but losing players changes how you approach the game. I couldn’t play the same way with Joshua [Zirkzee] as I would with Amad.
Sometimes you want Bruno [Fernandes] to be involved in the build-up because he’s excellent at switching play, but you also need him pressing high—it’s a difficult balance,” Amorim explained.
Playing a 4-4-2 low block against this team would have been harder than what we did today, in my opinion. They stretch the game and keep the team open.
I see the same things you all discuss every week, and I know the challenges. My job is extremely difficult here, but I stick with my beliefs.”
