Amorim admits United mistakes as he takes charge of AC Milan on three-year deal

Ruben Amorim has publicly admitted to making mistakes during his time as Manchester United manager, using his unveiling as AC Milan head coach on Wednesday to reflect on a tenure that ended with his dismissal in January after just 14 months.

“I learned a lot and I did some mistakes,” Amorim told reporters at his inaugural press conference at the San Siro. The 41-year-old Portuguese coach said the full picture was difficult to convey without explaining the broader context of his time in Manchester, but was unambiguous that the experience had changed him. “There are some things I will try to change and there are some things you never change. But I think I will be a better coach.”

Amorim also expressed regret at leaving Old Trafford without addressing the supporters directly. “I didn’t have the opportunity, and I’m sorry for that, to say something to the Manchester United fans. I’m really proud to be their coach for a year in that time.”

His record at United was stark. Across 63 matches he won 25 and lost 23, with his 47 Premier League games producing just 15 victories and a points-per-game average of 1.23 — the lowest of any United manager in the Premier League era. The club finished 15th in the league and suffered a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham before the board moved to end his tenure, despite the team sitting sixth at the time of his sacking.

Criticism during his spell centred on his rigid 3-4-3 system and a perceived reluctance to integrate academy players into the first team, though Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November 2024 inheriting a squad already in considerable difficulty.

“But now is a different history,” he said, drawing a clear line under the United chapter. “Sometimes it’s like that. You need to learn to find the right spot to reach a different level and that’s my thinking here.”

Amorim has signed a three-year contract with AC Milan, succeeding Massimiliano Allegri at the Serie A club.