“One person leaving changes nothing,” Ruben Amorim clears air on Ashworth's departure

• Manchester United’s head coach Ruben Amorim addressed Dan Ashworth’s sudden exit after only 159 days as sporting director
• Amorim emphasised the club’s clear vision remains unaffected and highlighted the importance of collective focus
• United’s transfer strategy will focus on academy development and player improvement before considering external signings

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has addressed fan's concerns through the media following the unexpected departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth, who left the club after only 159 days in the role. 

Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen on Thursday, December 12, Amorim reflected on the situation while reiterating his confidence in the club’s vision.

Ashworth’s exit, confirmed earlier this week, raised eyebrows within the football community, raising questions about the club's stability. However, Amorim maintained an optimistic view, stating that while the timing is less than ideal, the team's long-term goals remain unaffected,

“The first thing I want to say is that, since day one, I’ve felt immense support from the ownership, from Omar [Berrada, chief executive], from Dan also, and from Jason [Wilcox, technical director]. Dan was a significant part of that support.”

Despite his departure, Amorim acknowledged the realities of football, emphasising that change is inevitable, 

“It’s not the best situation, but these things happen with players and coaches too. What’s most important is that our path remains clear. The vision is set, and we continue moving forward,” he added.

When asked if Ashworth’s exit could destabilise the club, Amorim dismissed such concerns. He stated the importance of collective effort, saying, 

“One person leaving doesn’t change anything. The vision is clear, and we’re focused on what lies ahead.”

“Academy development is now priority,” Amorim claims

The discussion turned to transfer strategies, with reports suggesting United may need to sell players before making acquisitions in the January transfer window. Amorim avoided direct confirmation but hinted at the importance of internal development.

“I’m focused on understanding my players and maximizing their potential, we need to prioritise our academy, develop a clear profile for players, and focus on the details. For instance, set-pieces can be a challenge when we compare our team’s physicality to others.”

With Netherlands international Tyrell Malacia returning from knee surgery and other players still adapting to Amorim’s style, the head coach emphasised patience and meticulous planning. “This is a massive club. We need time to instil our ideas and improve existing players before thinking about buying or selling,” he said.

Amorim ready to offload two Man Utd stars in January transfer window

Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim appears ready to make bold decisions regarding his squad, as reports from Manchester suggest the Portuguese tactician is prepared to offload two high-profile players during the January transfer window. 

The former Sporting CP manager, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has endured a turbulent start at Old Trafford and is eager to reshape his team for the remainder of the season.