Sports

Champions League Exit Will Help Rebuild Manchester United- Ruben Amorim

Published

2 days ago

27/05/2025

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes missing out on the Champions League could be a hidden blessing as he works to rebuild the team after a disappointing season.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Amorim remained optimistic despite United finishing 15th in the Premier League, their lowest league finish since 1974. The team also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur 1-0, crushing any hopes of making it into the Champions League and losing a major financial boost in the process.

However, Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag during the season, believes the extra time away from European competitions might actually help the team focus on improving.

“Not being in the Champions League could be a good thing for us,” he said. “It gives us more time to train, to prepare for games, and to build the strong foundation we need for the future.”

The press conference saw a light moment when Amorim’s phone alarm went off, causing laughter among reporters ahead of Wednesday’s friendly match against a Southeast Asian XI.

With limited funds to bring in new players over the summer, Amorim has a tough task ahead. He hopes to reshape the team to suit his playing style and improve performance.

“Our first goal is simple — win the first game. We have a lot of work ahead of us during the summer,” he said. “At Manchester United, the expectations are always high, but we have to take it step by step. We’ll start by winning one game at a time.”

Amorim also mentioned that he might give squad players a chance to prove themselves during the friendlies, which could help him decide who to keep for the upcoming season.

READ ALSO: Billie Eilish Dominates 2025 American Music Awards with 7 Wins

The team’s post-season tour, including matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong, is also expected to provide much-needed financial support. According to the BBC, the tour could earn Manchester United around $10 million (approximately £7.8 million).

Midfielder Mason Mount shared his excitement about being in Malaysia, despite flying out just hours after their 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

“We landed and saw so many fans waiting at the airport to greet us and take photos. It’s great to be here and we’re looking forward to the match,” Mount said.

Kuala Lumpur is currently experiencing hot weather, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius (99°F). Thunderstorms are expected on game day, which might affect the match at the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Despite the tough season and ongoing challenges, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United is aiming for a fresh start, beginning with their first friendly match in Southeast Asia.