Ruben Amorim has admitted Manchester United have lost their fear factor at Old Trafford, but insists he will turn the stadium back into a fortress. Ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal, the Portuguese coach vowed to make the Theatre of Dreams "an enjoyable place" again for Red Devils fans after last season's struggles.
- Amorim admits Old Trafford lost its aura after last season
- Man Utd have spent £210m on Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo
- Portuguese coach vows to restore fortress mentality
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |
-
WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United endured a miserable 2024-25 campaign, losing nine home league games and finishing 15th in their worst top-flight season in over five decades. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last November, has overseen a major summer rebuild with the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The trio were signed to inject attacking firepower and help restore confidence at Old Trafford.
Advertisement
- AFP
WHAT AMORIM SAID
Speaking to the media, Amorim said: "We’ve got to make it (Old Trafford) an enjoyable place for our fans. That is really important. We start with one game against Arsenal, a very good team. Everyone in this room thinks Arsenal are going to win. I know that. But we will be there on Sunday to change things.
"It’s not a mental thing – but it’s not just the players, it’s also the fans. In the (friendly) game against Fiorentina, you could feel it. The fans were a little bit nervous. This feeling, you cannot change it in one day or one game. It’s a feeling that we have to fight. Everyone together – the players, the coaches and the fans. Together, we are going to change things. If you want to win things and be a very strong team, then especially at home you have to win games.”
-
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The pressure is on Amorim after a £210 million ($285m) summer spend and the potential exits of the Red Devils' 'bomb squad'. United’s priority this season is to re-establish their home ground as a place opponents fear visiting. Amorim insists building momentum at Old Trafford is key to challenging for trophies again.
- Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
The Red Devils host Arsenal at Old Trafford in their Premier League opener on Sunday, with Amorim targeting a statement victory. New signings Sesko, Cunha and Mbeumo are all expected to feature as fans hope to see a more ruthless United.