Amorim draws Man United parallel as AC Milan pressure mounts after Europa League defeat

Ruben Amorim has drawn a direct comparison between his AC Milan squad and the Manchester United side he left in January 2026, acknowledging familiar pressure just five games into his new role. The 41-year-old made the remarks after Milan fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Benfica in the Europa League group stage on Thursday — his first loss since taking charge at San Siro.

The result extended Milan’s winless run to three matches, prompting Amorim to reflect on the difficulties of implementing his system at a new club. Speaking to Sky Italia after the game, he said: “I know at Manchester United and Milan, two big clubs with the pressure to win, people expect everything in just a few months, and I feel the same pressure here.”

Amorim acknowledged that his current squad is better suited to his preferred three-defender shape than the United group he inherited, but stressed that no squad is ever an instant fit. “Of course, I don’t have the clear characteristics that are perfect at this moment, but it is impossible when you take on a new team to have those perfect characteristics right away,” he said.

Despite the mounting scrutiny, Amorim struck a defiant tone. “I know it will take time, but I also know that there is big pressure at this club, yet I prefer this kind of job because if I need to fail one day, I want to fail big,” he added. “I have a lot of passion for this club, I want to help this club to be better.”

Reports in Italy indicate that Milan owner Gerry Cardinale has scheduled crisis talks with Amorim and chief executive Massimo Calvelli to discuss recent performances and comments the manager made about his squad. However, the same reports stress that Amorim retains the full backing of the board and that no immediate managerial change is planned.

Amorim joined United in November 2024 but departed just over a year later following a turbulent spell that included a 1-1 draw against Leeds United and the controversial remarks that followed. Milan represent his first appointment since leaving Old Trafford.

Milan’s next fixture is a Serie A home match against Lecce at the San Siro on Sunday evening.