Ruben Amorim Sets Confident Tone at First Manchester United Press Conference Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Ruben Amorim’s First Press Conference: A New Chapter for Manchester United

Manchester United fans got their first real taste of Ruben Amorim’s vision as he fielded a barrage of questions from reporters at Old Trafford before his Premier League debut. Everyone wanted to know how the Portuguese coach plans to steer the club, and judging by his answers, he’s not afraid to shake things up.

Amorim wasted no time addressing perhaps the most-watched position at United: the goalkeeper. He confirmed that Andre Onana will play a key part in the campaign, hinting at nuanced changes to the way United build from the back. When quizzed about how tactical tweaks will play out, he described using the center-back to step into midfield—the same move that made his Sporting Lisbon sides so hard to crack. He said, “It’s about controlling space and tempo, especially in the biggest matches.” You could tell he’s keen to bring that edge to the Premier League where every weakness gets punished instantly.

The focus then turned to United’s attack. Amorim chatted about Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, mentioning the possibility of unleashing their partnership early in the season. Reporters pressed on whether their chemistry could solve United’s scoring issues. Amorim kept his cards close but didn’t rule out tactical experiments, especially as he assesses his squad options before the clash with Arsenal.

Mention of Benjamin Sesko’s name lit up the room—a possible debut for the new signing is a major talking point. Amorim stressed that the lineup isn’t set in stone but didn’t hide his excitement about fresh faces making an impact. Mason Mount also came up, with Amorim noting how squad depth is vital for dealing with a grueling season, hinting that every player needs to be ready for big moments.

High Hopes and High Pressure: United’s Ambitions Under Amorim

When reporters circled around the question of pressure, Amorim flashed a smile and basically shrugged it off. He compared his arrival at United to stepping into a lion’s den—a reference to the club’s global fanbase and sky-high expectations. But he didn’t seem fazed, admitting, “Most are picking Arsenal to win, but we don’t mind being underdogs.” That line seemed deliberate, as if he’s looking to flip the Premier League script and instill a siege mentality in his squad.

Another big theme was home advantage. Amorim wants Old Trafford to become a fortress again, a place where visiting teams worry. He believes United have lost some of their intimidation factor and plans to fix that by making the team more aggressive and organized, especially at home.

He also talked about what's happening off the pitch, particularly at Carrington. Amorim briefly discussed upgrades to the training ground, stressing that a winning culture goes beyond matchdays—better facilities mean sharper, more motivated players, and that will reflect in performances.

Throughout the 45-minute session, Amorim was at ease but direct, carefully managing expectations while radiating quiet confidence. He knows all eyes are on United’s season opener against Arsenal, but he welcomed the scrutiny, suggesting this version of Manchester United could surprise everyone—including their fiercest critics.