“They warned me I’ll be sack if that happened but I don’t know how to avoid it”: Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim has revealed what the board told him after Nottingham Forest’s defeat

Amorim Acknowledges Manchester United Pressure as Elanga Shines at Forest
No Time for Patience at Manchester United
There’s no room for sentiment or slow-building projects at Manchester United.

That was the message from Ruben Amorim following his side’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest – a loss made all the more bitter by Anthony Elanga, a former United winger, scoring the winner. For Amorim, it was another stark reminder of the environment he has stepped into: one where patience is fleeting and expectations are permanent.

“At United, you don’t have the time. I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast,” Amorim admitted, his words underlining the reality of managing one of world football’s most scrutinised institutions.

Two wins before the international break had given United fans hope of a corner being turned, but defeat at the City Ground reopened old wounds. For Amorim, the challenge isn’t just tactical – it’s cultural. It’s about understanding the burden that comes with the badge.

“Sometimes you don’t have time and you should have time for these kids to develop. For that you need a strong base. If you don’t have it, we are not going to help our kids.”

Elanga Proves a Point as Pressure Mounts
Elanga’s winner served as a reminder of what United have allowed to slip through their fingers. The 21-year-old was sold to Forest in the summer of 2023 – a decision that looked justifiable at the time but now feels more questionable with each dazzling display.

Amorim, though, defended the club’s policy of moving players on. “They had the chance here. We are talking about a lot of players who were at Manchester United who are doing right, but they had the chance here.” The implication is clear: not everyone thrives under the weight of Old Trafford.

Pressure, Amorim believes, is a defining factor. “Sometimes the pressure playing for Manchester United is really big.” It’s a line that cuts to the heart of the issue: the theatre of dreams can become overwhelming, especially for younger players still forging their identity.

Garnacho’s Effort Highlights Bigger Picture
One of the more divisive performances of the night came from Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger has become a fan favourite, but his display against Forest was met with frustration, particularly for his decision-making in the final third. Amorim, however, stood by his player.

“He’s making everything. He’s trying. Sometimes you have one day that you are doing the right things, but in the final third, you are not that good, that can happen.”

He continued, “The most important thing for me is that when he needs to run back, he is running back… Sometimes he doesn’t make the best choice, but you cannot point to any player today.”

That sense of protection, of shielding players from external noise, reflects Amorim’s understanding of the broader demands. He knows he’s in a results-driven job, but he’s also aware that young talents need more than minutes – they need structure, leadership, and a stable base. Without it, progress falters.

United’s Next Steps Define Amorim’s Tenure
Ruben Amorim’s words are laced with realism. He doesn’t expect the luxury of time. He knows what success at Manchester United looks like and how quickly things can turn sour. The upcoming run of fixtures could very well define his immediate future – and whether this latest era brings more drift or real direction.

But amid defeat and disappointment, there were signs of clarity. Amorim understands what’s required. Now he must find a way to instil it, fast.