An interview by shareholder Jim Ratcliffe has caused quite a stir at Manchester United. On Wednesday, coach Ruben Amorim responded to the criticism – and called his players to account.
There was one thing you couldn’t accuse Jim Ratcliffe of in his much-publicized BBC interview. The Manchester United shareholder had certainly not minced his words.
Ratcliffe described the signings of Casemiro, André Onana, Rasmus Höjlund, as well as those of Antony (Real Betis), who has since been loaned out, and Jadon Sancho (Chelsea, with a purchase option), more directly as legacy issues than indirectly. “We inherited them and now we have to fix it,” the 72-year-old had said.
One of the most striking sentences of his remarks: “Some are not good enough and some are probably overpaid.” Casemiro is one of the big earners at United, earning nearly €355,000 per week.
Coach Ruben Amorim referred to him in his reply on Wednesday at the press conference before the last sixteen second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday. “People talk about players like Casemiro winning everything, and we know that these types of players can play much better. So that’s the focus,” said the United coach: “Ratcliffe was honest in that regard. The focus has to be on changing his opinion and that of everyone else.”
Amorim includes himself in the criticism
As he has done so often in recent weeks, Amorim included himself in the general criticism. ”If we’re honest, we’re all underperforming at the moment – the players and I. But we can change that at any time.” Progressing in the Europa League would be the next step.
“I think it’s the right way,” explained Amorim. You can also silence critics with results. Amorim confirmed the “healthy and stable relationship” that Ratcliffe says he has with the Portuguese: “It’s been really good since day one. I think we are very open and honest with each other. This is partly due to our characters, we are quite similar in that respect. I have always felt the support of the board and in particular of Sir Jim.”
Amorim preferred to keep the content of the discussions secret, but spoke of ‘simple, clear and honest conversations’.
