Ruben Amorim’s press conference was full of praise for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League trip to the Gunners on Wednesday.
United thumped Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford over the weekend, and are unbeaten in Amorim’s first three matches in all competitions.
But the former Sporting CP boss has refused to get ahead of himself. Describing Wednesday’s trip to North London as “by far” the biggest challenge he’s faced in his short time at United, he emphasised the different stages of development United and Arsenal are at.
With a tough run of fixtures over the festive period, United will soon travel to Tottenham and Manchester City.
But while the schedule is difficult, United are in good form. They are now unbeaten in seven since former boss Erik ten Hag was sacked.
Four of those came under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy – now at Leicester City – but Amorim’s team are building nicely.
Nevertheless, the new Red Devils coach knows there will be tough times ahead.
He said: “We are going to have difficult moments and we will be found out in some games, I know that.
“I know it is really hard to be a Manchester United coach and say these things in press conferences – and we want to win all the time, no matter what – but we know we are in a different point compared to Arsenal.
“I would like to say different things, but I have to say again, the storm will come.”
Destination: north London 📍
Ruben's Reds are ready 👊#MUFC || #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/o54VspUKOM
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024
Ruben Amorim Praises Arteta In Press Conference
Despite beating Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal last season while Sporting manager, Ruben Amorim spent much of his press conference heaping praise onto the Gunners boss.
Sporting knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.
But while Arsenal have been title contenders in recent years, things did not start smoothly under Arteta.
Amorim highlighted the benefits of backing a manager through difficult periods for long-term gains.
Discussing Arteta, Amorim said: “[He has done] an amazing job.
“Sometimes coaches are judged just with titles, but what he has been doing with Arsenal is amazing.
“He transformed the team, he bought some youngsters that are now a big talent in this country. I hope to have the same mindset that he had in difficult moments because I followed the Premier League for a long time and it is a very good characteristic in Mikel. He is doing a great job.”
And asked about his own club’s faith in him, Amorim was positive about the backing he has received from United so far.
“That is always important for a coach, to have that confidence,” he added.
“We have to acknowledge that Manchester United is a little bit different, all the attentions you guys put here all the time, we will try to do things a bit faster.
“There is massive attention here and massive judgement every day.”
Manchester United’s Premier League game against Arsenal kicks off at 8:15pm on Wednesday night.
