Ruben Amorim: Manchester United 'Not Prepared' for Champions League

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-08-26 17:26:52 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-26 20:08:00

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Manchester United's absence from this season's Champions League has been confirmed by Sporting Lisbon manager, Ruben Amorim. He argues that the Red Devils need time to build a competitive side and genuinely contend for Europe's premier club football competition.

Amorim, whose side visits Old Trafford for a UEFA Champions League playoff round on Tuesday, doubts the current Manchester United squad is prepared to play in Europe this season. This statement comes after United crashed out of the Europa League in the round of 16 to Barcelona last season.

This critique of United's European status comes as surprise considering they sit second in the Premier League table, with a game in hand over their nearest rivals and a massive points gap between them and the Europa League places.

The 44-year-old Portuguese manager, who signed a new contract with Sporting this summer, believes the incoming reinforcements have raised the quality at Old Trafford, but it will take time for the team to mature into serious Champions League contenders.

"I think, in the short term, they are not prepared to play in Europe," Amorim says. "They changed many players, they changed the manager. They have fantastic players, but you need time to build a team."

One factor working in Manchester United's favor is the upcoming return of Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan international, who signed from Ajax in the summer, has yet to make his debut for the club due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

However, Amorim's scouting report on the defender suggests he could be an important player for United this season, potentially strengthening their weakest link.

"He's a player who provides a lot of balance to the team," Amorim says. "He's a very complete player. In training, he's shown he's smart, has good positioning, and always gives his all. It's important for the team to have him available, but obviously, we'll do everything we can to make him suffer when he plays."

Only time will tell whether Amorim's assessment will prove true or if Manchester United can surprise critics and qualify for the Champions League next season.

Conclusion:

Ruben Amorim, Sporting Lisbon manager, has downplayed Manchester United's chances in the Champions League this season, stating that they need more time to build before competing in the competition. He argues that the current squad is not prepared to play in Europe, even though United currently sits second in the Premier League table.

He suggests that the incoming reinforcements have raised the quality at Old Trafford, but it will take time for the team to mature into serious Champions League contenders. He also mentions the potential impact of Noussair Mazraoui, who is close to returning from injury, and hopes his side can benefit from the Moroccan's absence in their upcoming UEFA Champions League playoff round match. Overall, it will be a fascinating to see how Manchester United responds to Amorim's critique and whether they can make a push for Europe's premier club football competition.

Go!