Ruben Amorim and Manchester United are in Hong Kong during their tour after the season, but the Portuguese admits
Ruben Amorim insists that he and his players of Manchester United are desperate to “play the page” in a disappointing campaign while on Friday they enter the second game of an Asian tour after the season in Hong Kong.
United was rejected on Wednesday in the defeat of an Asean All-Stars team in Malaysia, a week after losing the Europa League final at Tottenham and as a result a Champions League spot missing.
The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League and marked their worst season in 51 years. The club earns £ 8 million from this trip to the Far East and although Amorim recognizes the importance of tours such as this for him and the players to make contact with the global fan base of United, there is clearly a large part of him that this season is just over.
“We want to give the fans something, but it's hard at the moment – we just want to turn the page and improve the next season,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
“We cannot hide that it is really difficult for us at the moment not to close the season, but if there is one thing that is really important in this club, it is that we have to face our fans at the moment, and we have to give our fans around the world something.”
Amorim is expected to rotate his team heavily for the game against Hong Kong. Three senior players – Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana – have flown on to a fan involvement event in India, so not available, while Luke Shaw is injured.
“I will try to distribute because I don't want all the young children together,” Amorim said. “I will try to mix these things. We want to be competitive. If they are fit, they will play, and we will have the maximum respect for everyone here and for our fans.”
In the meantime, United has been mocked by the Malaysian Prime Minister after their defeat in Kuala Lumpur. Anwar Ibrahim was in the crowd in the Bukit Jalil National Stadium and wrote on Facebook: “Oh no!
“Manchester United did not succeed in winning a trophy. It seems that you have a 'headache' next season. Hopefully you will not be relegated to the championship.”