Amorim apologises to United fans at Milan presser
Ruben Amorim never addressed Manchester United fans after his dismissal, but has now spoken about what he learned at Old Trafford.
Amorim, now the new head coach at AC Milan, was in charge at United for a turbulent 14 months.
He appeared to criticise the club's hierarchy in a post-match press conference, with United making the decision to end his contract the next day.
Amorim oversaw 63 games as United boss in all competitions, winning 24, drawing 18 and losing 21.
In the Premier League, he only achieved 15 victories in 47 matches, giving him the worst win ratio – 32 per cent – of any United boss in the competition's history.
Amorim was also in charge for the final six months of United's worst Premier League campaign in 2024-2025, as it recorded its lowest finish, 15th, posted its worst points tally, 42, and scored its fewest goals, 44, in any previous season.
After his sacking, Amorim stayed silent and opted against making any statements about his time at United on social media.
But in his first Milan press conference, when asked what he had learnt during his time at United, Amorim, who acknowledged he had made mistakes in Manchester, addressed the fans.
"It is hard to explain the mistakes as I would have to explain all the context of the last adventure," he said.
"The only thing I can say is that I learn a lot and I did some mistakes.
"I didn't have [the] opportunity – and I am sorry for that – to say something to the Manchester United fans at the moment, [but] I am really proud to have been their coach for a year.
"Now it is a different history. There are a lot of things I could do better in the last experience. But sometimes it is like that. You need to learn to reach a different level. That is my thinking here.
"Everyone learns from their experience. I learn a lot. I did some mistakes. I will try to change, but there are some things you never change. I think I will be better. That is all."
Amorim's first Serie A game in charge of AC Milan will be a trip to Torino on 24 August (AEST).
Amorim has already claimed his new Milan job is a bigger challenge than the one he faced at United, but he is targeting silverware in his first season.
Milan last won the Scudetto in 2021-22, taking it to 19 Serie A titles, and one more would earn it a second star above its crest after winning one in 1978-1979.
"When you put yourself on the line and challenge yourself, then you have to try to win as much as possible," Amorim said when asked if the objective was to win a second star.
"Of course, we want to win the second star. I know it will be difficult; there are a thousand variables. The biggest challenge? It's hard to say right now.
"Our main objective at the moment is to dominate the league. Everything else will follow.
"I know very well that this is a challenge. It's always more than just a phrase or a slogan: it means becoming part of the history of someone or something iconic. That's exactly the kind of challenge I like to take on.
"I'm happy. I'll be happy knowing I tried, even if that effort doesn't lead to outstanding results. Right now, I'm hungry for success.
"I believe in Milan."
Milan has already brought in one big signing this transfer window, with Goncalo Ramos joining from Paris Saint-Germain in a club-record deal.
"I really like Goncalo," Amorim said. "You saw him against Croatia [at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Portugal] surrounded by three defenders, he still scored.
"That's a situation you often see in Italy as well. People only look at talent, whereas I see the player as a whole. It's about seeing him play properly within the team.
"Just watch Goncalo play for five minutes. For me, he sends a message: it means we believe in the group and in the team. His arrival happened very quickly."
There could be some outgoings from Milan, though. Another Portuguese, Rafael Leao, is reportedly seeking a move away from San Siro, while veteran Luka Modric's future remains up in the air.
Modric, 40, is expected to retire from international football after Croatia's FIFA World Cup exit, but some reports suggest he could step away from the game altogether.
"I want Modric to stay. I spoke to Luka and if needed, I will go get him in person," Amorim said.
"I want Modric with us this season. He is a key point for us, especially to have more possession. I know that the board spoke with him; I spoke with him too. I hope to have him soon."
