In a key match of the 8th round of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Manchester United, led by manager Ruben Amorim, will travel to face Liverpool away. Ahead of the game, the Portuguese coach attended a press conference and talked about the team's current situation.
On Board Support
Board members always communicate with me and sometimes send me messages. The most important thing right now is the next game. I’m really glad to hear everyone’s support, especially amid all the external noise lately.
On the Club’s Vision and Further on Board Support
First of all, I can truly feel the board’s support—it’s not just empty words, but something I experience tangibly every day. Sometimes, the pressure I put on myself and the team is much greater than what comes from the outside. I know achieving our goals takes time, but I don’t want to think that way, as I said something similar last year. Hearing these words feels really good, and I think it helps our fans understand that the leadership knows success takes time.
However, I don’t like this kind of atmosphere at the same time, because it makes people feel we have plenty of time to solve problems—and I don’t want that sentiment within the club. While support is good, at a big club like this, we have to show everyone we already have the ability to win games.
On Last Season’s Match Against Liverpool
I remember we performed quite well in that game, which ended in a draw. I felt really disappointed after the match because we proved we had the ability to compete with any opponent. I know this result wasn’t particularly outstanding for our club, considering Liverpool are always fighting for titles.
I understand what this game means to the fans, but it’s just one match after all. We need to prove we can perform better—and in my opinion, we actually did perform better. We still have room for improvement in both attack and defense, so this is just another game we have to win.
On Results Against Big Clubs
Maybe when you have to win and bear the weight of expectation, that pressure makes the game harder. That’s why, when playing for a big club, you have to win every game—especially when the outside world expects victory.
Players might actually play better when the outside world doesn’t fancy United to win. We need to change that. To do so, we have to win with more confidence, pick up more points, and play more freely.
On Team Injuries
Lisandro Martínez is unavailable for selection. He’s close to returning but is still in recovery. I’m not sure about Noussair Mazraoui’s situation. The international players are ready, but we need to give them more time. Those who have recovered from injuries are available to play.
On Senne Lammens’ Performance
Nothing is impossible. Lammens has to prove he can deliver consistent performances every week to get game time. He’s not Peter Schmeichel yet, but he has shown composure and is a talented young player who’s very popular with the fans .
On Sir Ratcliffe Saying He’ll Give Me 3 Years to Manage United
He does contact me regularly, sometimes sending messages after games. As we both know, Sir Ratcliffe understands football is not that straightforward. But this just shows how much he knows about the sport.
The most important thing is the next game. We can’t control the future, but I’m glad to hear this news. However, this kind of statement also brings pressure. Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox keep reminding me of that . First of all, I can really feel this pressure—it’s not just talk. Sometimes the pressure I put on the team and myself is far beyond what the outside world imagines. I understand that rebuilding takes time.
On Sir Ratcliffe Talking About Youth Academy
I think there’s always room for improvement in the academy, but I’m not the best person to talk about this. I’ve been here for a year, but I won’t deny the academy just because results haven’t been good. We have to examine the academy's conditions and see if they’re doing a good job. Looking at Manchester United as a whole, everyone is working hard to improve.
On the Rivalry Between Liverpool and United
Situations can change quickly sometimes, but looking back at the history of both teams, one can see that a club can hit a slump. We have the ability to win any game—we just need to focus on the next one, and victory is possible. As for how long it will take to reach Liverpool’s level in the future, I don’t know either.
