Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United's plans have not changed despite the shock sacking of sporting director Dan Ashworth. He said, “One person leaving doesn't change anything.”
The 53-year-old was sacked by CEO Omar Berrada following Saturday's defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, after just 159 days in the role.
Ashworth was involved in the process of bringing in Amorim from Sporting Lisbon as Erik ten Hag's replacement in November, but only had a few weeks to work with the new head coach.
Asked about Ashworth's departure after United landed in the Czech Republic on Wednesday evening ahead of their Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen, Amorim said: 'The first thing I want to say is that I felt great support from the owner since day one; from Omar, from Jason (Wilcox), and Dan was part of that.
'I also felt real support from Dan, but this is football and sometimes this happens. It happens to players, to coaches. I know this is not the best situation, but the most important thing is that we continue on our path. The path is very clear for everyone, and I think this can happen in football.
'I felt the support from everyone from day one. One person leaving doesn't change anything. Of course it's a bad situation. We are talking about a person, a professional, who supports us as a team. But I think the most important thing is that the vision is very clear, and that does not change if someone leaves.'
Technical director Wilcox is expected to take over Ashworth's role, according to an email sent to United staff on Wednesday, with Christopher Vivell also expected to play a more prominent role following his dismissal by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, just five months after taking office.
Mail Sport revealed United will not target a similar replacement for Ashworth – who discussed deals last week – but could make a new director appointment.
United are 12th in the Europa League, one spot above Plzen, and Amorim urged his players to finish in the top eight, which would mean avoiding a two-legged play-off.
“For us it's huge,” he added. 'We're facing a team that a lot of people don't know, but who are undefeated at home in Europe.
'It is very important to get to the next stage and because of all that we have to win tomorrow. “If you go to the next stage without a play-off, we will (remove) two games.”
Comments