“I don’t care” – Ruben Amorim may have infuriated INEOS with shocking UCL stance | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim insisted his Manchester United project goes beyond winning the Europa League trophy, even with the Champions League on the line.

The Red Devils are enduring an utterly torrid Premier League campaign, currently lying 14th in the table. Moreover, they have been eliminated from the Carabao Cup and more recently dethroned in the FA Cup following their defeat to Fulham.

Therefore, the Europa League represents the club’s only possible solace to salvage this miserable season. United will resume their continental duties on Thursday night with a meeting against Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Round of 16.

But while most managers would have emphasised the importance of the competition, Amorim has taken the opposite track, revealing he doesn’t care much about winning the tournament, as he believes Man Utd remains an attractive destination for top stars, with or without the Champions League.

“It’s not the crucial thing for the future of the club. That is my view. I’ve been here for three months, that is clear. But I understand it’s a massive difference in our season. Especially, because we are out of the cups, and in a bad position in the league,” said the 40-year-old in his pre-match press conference via Sky Sports.

“So that could change a lot of things, even the way they see the coach! Manchester United can call all the best players even without the Champions League in the future. We have to change a lot of things and are trying to do that.

“There are a lot more important things than winning cups at this moment. That is my feeling. But I understand that winning the Europa League can change everything for us next season.”

Ruben Amorim explains why he’s not too keen on winning the Europa League

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Amorim insists he’s more focused on his long-term project rather than winning a trophy.

“We have to think, of the club , as a long project and not solve things in this moment. Not think, you don’t win the cup we are in a bad position, if you win the Europa League, we would be in an amazing position because the problems continue here even with the Champions League.

“That’s what I want to say. I know you guys make a count of my season. But I am trying to show I don’t care. I’m really confident of the big goals of this club. I am trying to show the big picture to this club to our supporters.

“But it’s a life of results, you have to win games. I know the consequences when you don’t win games. But I’m really confident. Since day one, a little more frustrated. But I’m still confident.”

Nevertheless, one would imagine the folks at INEOS wouldn’t be too thrilled with these statements. After all, the hierarchy has been taking drastic measures in their unquenched mission to reduce costs, which includes removing almost 450 from their jobs.

By failing to reach the Champions League, United would be missing out on circa £100 million next season, so the board would have probably expected a more determined stance on the manager’s part.