Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim described his first year at Old Trafford as a “rollercoaster journey” on Thursday but expressed pride in staying true to his principles as the Premier League club finally shows signs of progress.

After facing intense criticism over his formations and tactics, United have now won three consecutive games for the first time under the Portuguese manager, who approaches his one-year anniversary at the club next month.

United currently sit sixth in the table with 16 points from nine matches, six points behind leaders Arsenal and one point ahead of reigning champions Liverpool.

“It was a journey, a big journey. It was really tough. Good moments, bad moments. I learned a lot, and that is really important,” Amorim told reporters ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

“I learned that even in my lower moments I can stick with the things I believe in, and that is something everyone should understand. Today, the answer is different from three weeks ago, so it’s important to recognize that. Being here is one of the biggest honours of my life, and I want to continue here for many years.”

Amorim responds to Dyche dig
Forest are managed by Sean Dyche, their third manager of the season, who earlier this year suggested that Amorim would have won more games with a 4-4-2 formation.

“I always say that I have a way of playing that will take time to show results, but in the future it will be better,” Amorim said.
“We don’t know that. I can look at Sean Dyche as both a manager and a pundit. If you’re a pundit and don’t express strong opinions, I don’t want to watch. I am the same. I completely understand that it’s a different job.

“I know Sean Dyche is smart and understands the game. But seeing the game and talking about it is very different from coaching a team.”

Amorim also revealed that he is unsure whether injured defender Harry Maguire will be available for the Forest match, while Lisandro Martinez, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in February, is not yet ready despite returning to full training.