Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest: Amorim urges patience amid turbulent start

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has emphasized the need to temper expectations following a mixed start to his tenure.

The optimism surrounding his early success was dampened by a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, showcasing the gap between United and the Premier League title contenders.

Amorim’s first two weeks in charge have been a rollercoaster. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Ipswich, the Red Devils secured a dramatic 3-2 Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt.

A resounding 4-0 victory against Everton at Old Trafford last weekend marked United’s first Premier League win by such a margin since August 2021.

However, the loss to Arsenal highlighted the challenges ahead for Amorim.

Despite sitting 13th in the league table, United are just three points shy of the top six, keeping their hopes for European qualification alive.

As Amorim continues to adapt, he remains focused on steadying the ship and narrowing the gap between United and the league’s elite.

“It’s hard because it’s very competitive this league and changes all the time with just one result,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Nottingham Forest’s visit on Saturday.

“Before this Arsenal game you guys were asking about the top four, and now we return to this position. Nowadays it’s like that.

“We have to manage expectations and at the same time when you have a bad result you have to be calm and continue to do the job that we are doing.”

Off the field it has been a sad week for United as popular former receptionist Kath Phipps, who worked at the club for over 55 years, died at the age of 85 on Thursday.

A host of legendary former players such as David Beckham and Wayne Rooney and stars from the current squad like Marcus Rashford were among those to pay their own personal tributes.

“You feel it today,” added Amorim. “It’s a sad day. Everybody talks about lady Kathy.

“You feel it, the love, the way (United technical director) Darren Fletcher speaks about her, so she was a really important person here that represents everything this club is.

“Friendly, professional, taking care of everybody, so it’s a sad day for us.”