Ruben Amorim has ‘no regrets’ about Man Utd move but admits questioning timing

Ruben Amorim says he has “no regrets at all” about joining Manchester United – but admits a problem period four months ago had him questioning whether he should have pushed harder to delay his arrival.

Erik ten Hag’s successor has endured a difficult time since taking charge in November, with the Red Devils entering the weekend 14th in the standings having managed just six Premier League wins under the Portuguese.

The Europa League is keeping United’s worst-ever Premier League season alive, with Amorim leading the side into Thursday’s semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao on the back of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.

The Cherries won December’s reverse fixture 3-0 at Old Trafford during a particularly sticky patch for Amorim, who had told the United hierarchy during initial talks over the job that he would prefer to complete the season with Portuguese champions Sporting before taking charge.

“No regrets, not in this moment,” he said when asked about the scale of the job he has taken on.

“If you asked me like four months ago with all the problems, maybe you feel that feeling I should be stronger in starting in the beginning of the (next) season.

“But today I have a feeling that this is something that is going to help us in the future. We are suffering a lot here. There was a lot of frustration, a lot of suffering.

“But I feel in this moment – maybe because it’s near the end (of the season) – this is the most important time maybe in the next few years.

“We are going to use all the information to prepare better the next few years, so no regrets. I think this is the top of what a coach can achieve, so I have no regrets at all.”

Amorim admits he has “a lot of regrets in small things” after defeats as he is desperate to