Amorim Sparks Hope at Man Utd While Mount Sets Ambitious Season Goals
Ruben Amorim expresses satisfaction with Manchester United's pre-season preparations as the club aims to recover from their disastrous 2024-25 season performance.
The previous campaign concluded with United finishing 15th in the Premier League table, marking their lowest position since the league's inception in 1992 and their worst overall placement since facing relegation in 1973-74. A loss in the Europa League final compounded their disappointment, failing to secure Champions League qualification through that route.
A frequently cited challenge for Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag in early November, was the limited time available for intensive training sessions. His mid-season appointment combined with United's consistent European fixtures created obstacles in establishing his tactical philosophy and fostering team chemistry.
The Portuguese manager has now been afforded the opportunity to work extensively with his players during pre-season, benefiting from a summer free of major international competitions.
"The difference is remarkable," Amorim shared with United's official media when discussing the preparation period.
"As a collective, we require additional time together on the field, not solely for fitness or tactical reasons, but to strengthen the connections between players. This relationship develops through consistent training sessions throughout the week. I'm extremely pleased with this opportunity," he continued.
'European Competition Remains the Priority'
For the upcoming season, United will be absent from European competitions for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign.
Mason Mount believes rectifying this situation should be the primary objective for the new season.
"European football represents something enormous for our club," he stated to journalists at the team's initial pre-season training camp in Chicago. "Qualifying for the Champions League would be incredible for us, and collectively we aspire to compete at that level. However, any European competition is our target."
This objective requires climbing back into the upper portion of the league table, with a top-seven or eighth-place finish likely necessary to secure UEFA competition qualification through domestic performance.
Mount's Manchester United career, following his 2023 move from Chelsea, has been plagued by injury setbacks. He was sidelined for 23 matches due to fitness issues last season and missed 27 games the previous year, though he managed an uninterrupted spell of availability during April and May.
"Returning to action at the season's end and feeling physically strong, contributing with appearances and goals, was crucial for my confidence," the 26-year-old midfielder reflected.
"My ambition remains to progress further. Whenever the chance arises to take the field, the goal is to make an impact and influence the match outcome. This mindset has always driven me."
"I believe I'm in excellent physical condition following a productive off-season and proper rest. Taking that recovery time was perhaps the most crucial element: allowing myself to recharge. I gradually increased my training intensity during the break, following the program provided by our coaching staff."