Amorim declares undying love for Man United as successor Carrick teeters on the brink

Ruben Amorim told reporters he still loves Manchester United on Wednesday, returning to England as AC Milan manager just months after his own sacking — with his successor Michael Carrick now reportedly on the verge of suffering the same fate.

Amorim was dismissed in January after 14 months at Old Trafford, with United sitting sixth in the Premier League following a falling-out with director of football Jason Wilcox. Under Carrick, the club’s form has deteriorated further, culminating in a 4-1 Champions League thrashing at the hands of Como that has intensified pressure on the new head coach. Reports suggest Carrick could be relieved of his duties before United host Bournemouth on Sunday.

Asked about the unfolding crisis at his former club, Amorim was careful to keep the focus on Milan. “The most important thing is that I am here as the manager of Milan, and I need to respect that,” he said. “What I said when I signed for Manchester United, that I love that club and the people there, remains true. What happened since doesn’t change that. That’s all I want to say on the matter.”

He added: “I’ve moved on and I’m at another great club now. My club, Milan, has plenty of issues to address. I’m fully focused on my work, my team, my players and my staff, not on what’s happening at another club. But my feelings from when I first joined Manchester United remain exactly the same. I still love that club.”

The backdrop to Amorim’s return is a fractious atmosphere at United, with captain Bruno Fernandes publicly criticising the team’s tactical approach under Carrick — a level of public dissent that has only added to the sense of instability at the club.

Amorim has made a reasonable start at Milan, who sit fourth in Serie A, four points behind leaders Inter. Their Europa League campaign has been inconsistent — a home defeat to Benfica offset by a convincing away win against RB Salzburg — and Amorim himself has faced criticism for some unconvincing performances, with speculation about his own job security surfacing in the Italian press.

Thursday’s Europa League tie takes Milan to Bournemouth, who are enjoying their first-ever European campaign. Amorim was respectful of the opposition but unambiguous about his intentions. “We’re going there to win,” he said. “Bournemouth has quality and plays at a high tempo. They have some excellent players who are strong in one-on-one situations. They’ve made some changes since I faced them as manager of Manchester United, but they haven’t lost their identity.”