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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has suggested that missing out on Champions League football could actually work to the club’s advantage as he looks to rebuild the struggling side.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur ahead of a post-season friendly against a Southeast Asian XI, Amorim struck a positive tone despite United enduring their worst top-flight campaign since 1974, finishing 15th in the Premier League.
United’s chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League via the Europa League also slipped away last week, following a 1-0 defeat to fellow underperformers Tottenham in the final — a loss that also denied the club a significant financial boost.
“For us not to be in the Champions League could actually be an advantage,” Amorim told reporters. “It allows us to prepare better, to perform better, and to build the strong core we need for the future.”
The Portuguese manager, who took over from Erik ten Hag during the season but was unable to arrest the team’s decline, even found himself laughing during the press conference when his phone alarm unexpectedly rang mid-interview.
With limited funds available to secure the players he needs for his preferred system, Amorim admitted the road ahead remains challenging. “The immediate goal is to win our first game,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do over the summer to prepare the squad.”
“Everyone expects Manchester United to be at the top,” he added. “But we have to acknowledge the current reality. I don’t want the players thinking about long-term goals — just focus on winning the next match.”
Amorim also hinted at giving opportunities to fringe players during Wednesday’s friendly, part of a short tour that also includes a match in Hong Kong on Friday. The two matches are expected to generate around $10 million (£7.8 million) for the club, according to the BBC.
Midfielder Mason Mount expressed excitement about the trip, despite the tight turnaround following United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
“We landed and there were hundreds of fans at the airport to greet us,” he said. “It’s great to be here and we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s match.”
With Kuala Lumpur sweltering at 37°C this week and thunderstorms forecast for match day, conditions at the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium may test the players’ stamina.
