Ronaldo backs Man Utd to ´rise again´ under Amorim

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Ruben Amorim is the right man to take Manchester United back to the top despite his underwhelming start as the Red Devils’ head coach.

Since opening with a 1-1 Premier League draw at Ipswich Town on November 24, Amorim has won just two league games, with victories over Everton and rivals Manchester City being tempered by defeats to Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Wolves.

On Friday, Amorim gave a frank assessment of his opening weeks in Manchester, with his team currently a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, with four defeats in their last five matches in the competition, as many as they suffered in their previous 15 (seven wins, four draws).

The Portuguese coach arrived on a wave of positivity following his exploits at Sporting, but that has evaporated after five defeats in his first 10 games in all competitions.

The 39-year-old openly admitted he is already under pressure, despite his short time in the job, following United’s Boxing Day defeat at Wolves.

Ruben Amorim knows the pressure he’s under at Man United pic.twitter.com/wKeLTw23Dp

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 27, 2024

“I know that if we don’t win, regardless if they pay the buyout or not, every manager is in danger,” Amorim said. “I like that, because that is the job.”

Most United fans are prepared to give their new boss more time to settle, though, and Amorim has also received backing from club legend Ronaldo, who believes his compatriot is the right person to lead the club towards a new era of success.

“He [Amorim] did a fantastic job in Portugal with my old club, Sporting CP,” said Ronaldo, speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he was named Best Middle East Player of 2024.

“But, the Premier League is a different beast, it’s the most competitive league in the world. I knew it would be tough and they will continue in the storm.

“But the storm will finish and the sun will rise.

“Fingers crossed, it will be good for him, and I wish the best for Manchester United because it is a club I still love.”

Amorim’s men will end 2024 with a Premier League clash with Newcastle United on December 30, as they look to avoid a third successive league defeat. They are unbeaten at home against the Magpies in league action since 2013.