Ruben Amorim speaks boldly about his future as Manchester United coach after Leeds draw

Ruben Amorim spoke about his future at Manchester United following their 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Sunday 4 January. He said he was the club’s “manager” and not just the “head coach”, adding that he would not resign.

The Red Devils faced Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League on Sunday. Brenden Aaronson put the hosts ahead in the 62nd minute, before Matheus Cunha equalized three minutes later. The two teams created several chances, but the match ended in a scoreless draw.

After the match, Ruben Amorim was asked about his future at Manchester United and the January transfer window. He replied (h/t Manchester Evening News):

“Guys, to stop it, I noticed that you are receiving selective information about everything. I came here to be a coach of Manchester United, not to be a coach of Manchester United. That is clear. I know my name is not Tuchel, not Conte, not Mourinho, but I am the manager of Manchester United.

“It will be like this for 18 months, or when the board decides to change. So that was my point of view, I want to finish this. I will not resign. I will do my job until the other guy comes here to replace me,” he added.

Amorim also referred to former United defender Gary Neville’s criticism of his team and said:

“I just want to say that I will be a manager of this team, not just a coach. And I’ve been really clear about that. It will be over in 18 months and then everyone will move on. That was the deal.”

“This is my job, not to be a coach. If people can’t deal with Gary Neville and the criticism of everything, then we need to change the club. No guys, I just want to say I came here to be a manager of Manchester United, not to be a coach. And every department, the scouting department, the sporting director, needs to do their job. I’ll do my job for 18 months and then we’ll move on.”

With this draw, the Red Devils have only won one win in their last five Premier League matches.

Ruben Amorim talks about Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United

Joshua Zirkzee has started just four matches in all competitions this season and has therefore been linked with an exit in January. Italian clubs have reportedly shown interest in signing the Dutch striker.

Zirkzee came on in the 63rd minute against Leeds and provided the assist for it just two minutes later. After the match, Ruben Amorim praised the striker, saying (h/t Transfermarkt):

“I thought Josh played well in the 25 minutes he played. [He] “He communicated very well with his teammates and showed that he had a lot to offer.”

When pressed about Zarkezi’s future, he added:

“You need to focus on United. Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and if you are here and focusing on a different club, there is something wrong with you.”

Since arriving from Bologna in 2024, Zirkzee has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 63 appearances for Manchester United.