'I Felt Sorry for Him' - Benni McCarthy Shares Honest Opinion on Ruben Amorim at Manchester United

The Harambee Stars coach offered a candid assessment of Ruben Amorim, highlighting the challenges he faced and his resilience at Manchester United.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has shared his honest opinion about Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United in November 2024 was heralded with excitement, following his phenomenal success at Sporting CP, where he delivered two league titles.

However, his initial spell at Old Trafford has been a baptism of fire, falling short of the immediate impact many had hoped for.

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Ruben Amorim's first calendar year in charge saw the team endure significant struggles, including an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit and finishing 15th in the Premier League during his first partial season.

Despite the setbacks and external pressure, including open criticism from club legends and a public debate over his methods, Ruben Amorim remains motivated.

Benni McCarthy: Everyone Under the Sun Criticised Ruben Amorim

Benni McCarthy explained that he genuinely felt sympathy for Ruben Amorim, noting that the Portuguese coach had stepped into Manchester United during an exceptionally turbulent period marked by structural changes and uncertainty.

He pointed out that results were below expectations when Ruben Amorim arrived, yet the new boss introduced a distinct blueprint for how he wanted the team to evolve.

Benni McCarthy added that Amorim remained committed to that vision throughout the difficult transition, even as challenges mounted around him.

“You know what, I felt really sorry for him, for Ruben, because he came into United at a very difficult time…new ownership, new change of guard,” Benni McCarthy said in an interview with Sporty TV.

“The team was not really performing to the level they should be, but he came in with a clear plan. This was what he wanted to achieve, and he stuck by his philosophy.”

Benni McCarthy further remarked that Ruben Amorim had been subjected to relentless criticism from virtually every corner, a situation he described as extremely difficult for any coach to endure while the entire football world scrutinised and doubted every decision.

The former Manchester United attacking coach noted that many outsiders were quick to dismiss the team and predict failure, yet Ruben Amorim remained one of the few who maintained unwavering belief in his own ability.

According to Benni McCarthy, the Manchester United boss managed to completely shift the narrative through resilience, showing remarkable mental strength and an unshakeable commitment to his methods.

He added that navigating such hostility required extraordinary toughness, likening it to having skin thick enough to withstand anything while still staying true to the ideas he believed would eventually bring success.

“I mean, everyone under the sun criticised him, and that is not an easy place to be in when you are criticised, and the whole world is watching and judging, and you know, casting spells,” he disclosed.

“They will never get it right; the team is no good, but he was probably one of the only people who believed in himself as much. He has turned things around, you know, and strong character. He must have crocodile skin to be strong and stick to his philosophy.”

Benni McCarthy went on to say that he felt an enormous sense of satisfaction watching Ruben Amorim silence his doubters, stressing that the coach’s confidence in his own methods has played a crucial role in restoring Manchester United’s upward trajectory.

He explained that the turnaround was part of a longer rebuilding journey and cautioned that the ultimate goal would not be achieved immediately.

Benni McCarthy suggested that although a league title was unlikely in the current campaign, the progress shown in recent weeks hinted at a team capable of mounting a serious challenge in the near future.

He added that, if the current momentum continues, the club could re-emerge as one of the strongest sides in England next season, driven by a manager whose self-belief and guiding principles were now clearly taking effect.

“He's been letting the players also believe that what he's doing is right because the players are responding, and they are winning matches, and they're beating Liverpool,” he added.

“So, beating Liverpool, beating Chelsea. I'm happy with that. That's good progress. So, I'm excited to see the Ruben Amorim revolution in the near future.”

Manchester United are fresh from securing a convincing 4-1 away victory over bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a brace.

After Wolves equalised right before halftime, the Red Devils dominated the second half with goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, and a second from Bruno Fernandes to move up to sixth in the Premier League table.