Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim told reporters on Tuesday, May 27 that missing out on Champions League football next season might ultimately work in his favour, as he looks to rebuild the club after a catastrophic campaign.
Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ahead of United’s post-season friendly against a Southeast Asian XI, Amorim struck a surprisingly optimistic tone despite the club finishing a dismal 15th in the Premier League — their worst result since 1974 — and losing 1–0 to fellow strugglers Spurs in the Europa League final last week.
“I have to say that for us not to be in the Champions League could be an advantage to perform better, to prepare better for games, to build that core that we need for the future,” said Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag midway through the season.
“So I think it’s a good thing for us to take advantage not to have European games,” he added, after an unexpected moment of levity when his phone alarm rang mid-press conference, drawing laughter from the room.
Amorim now faces the uphill task of guiding a financially constrained squad back into contention next season. With limited resources to secure ideal reinforcements for his tactical system, he’s choosing to focus on the basics.
“The target for now is to win the first game. We have a lot to do during this summer. We have to prepare the team,” Amorim said.
“When you are Manchester United, people are going to expect us to be at the top. But we have to understand the context.
“I don’t want the team to think about a big target, just a small target by winning the first game and then to the second game,” he added, hinting that fringe players may get a chance to impress in Wednesday’s exhibition match.
United are hoping the post-season friendlies in Malaysia and Hong Kong — scheduled for Friday, May 30 — will help offset some of the financial shortfall from missing the Champions League. The BBC reported that the Asia tour could generate up to $10 million (£7.8m) for the club.
Midfielder Mason Mount spoke of the warm welcome the squad received upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, May 26, just hours after a 2–0 win over Aston Villa in their final league match.
“We got off the plane, there were hundreds of people waiting for us to take pictures and welcome us to the country. We’re excited to be over here and obviously looking forward to the game tomorrow,” Mount said.
With temperatures in Kuala Lumpur expected to reach 37°C (99°F) this week, and thunderstorms forecast on game day at the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium, United’s summer reboot will begin in testing conditions — both on and off the pitch.
