Manchester United coach, Ruben Amorim has joked characteristically about his stint at the club ahead of his 40th birthday on Monday, saying he feels 10 years older.
Amorim was handed a pleasant birthday gift in their 1-o win at Fulham on Sunday with Argentinian defender, Lisandro Martinez’s deflected winner helping claim the three points at Craven Cottage and move to 12th on the log.
In a post-match interview on Sunday, the Portuguese coach said, “It’s not 40… I’m 50! After two months at Manchester United, it’s 50,” he said.
Despite the occasion, Amorim said team training will continue as scheduled.
“The players asked for the day off tomorrow (today)… and I did not give it, so we are training. We work because it’s my birthday, and my gift is to work with the guys who didn’t play. It will be fantastic because we won!” he said.
After the day’s work, however, Amorim said he would celebrate in a more personal way.
“Then I will have dinner with my kids,” he said.
Rashford, Garnacho situations
Amorim also clarified that he will not compromise on his expectations of players, as he addressed Marcus Rashford’s situation and Alejandro Garnacho’s potential departure in the coming week.
Rashford has not played for United since December 12, 2024, and was again left out of the squad for the 1-0 win at Fulham on Sunday.
Even with United struggling to make headway against Fulham, Amorim insisted goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital would have been a better option.
Amorim was direct about Rashford, saying, “If things don’t change, I will not change. I will put the goalkeeping coach, Vital, before I put a player who does not give the maximum every day. I will not change in that department.”
On Garnacho’s future at the club, Amorim admitted uncertainty, stating, “Anything can happen. He is improving in every department, how he recovers, understanding the game when he defends… I am trying to find the best position for him. I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”
Meanwhile, Martínez took a moment to praise young midfielder Toby Collyer, calling him an inspiration.
“I’m so happy for Toby Collyer. This guy is a big example to the young generation. He works so hard and he’s humble,” Martínez told TNT Sports.
Also speaking after the match, Collyer was delighted to earn those compliments from the Argentinian.
“It [those words from Martinez] are unbelievable. That has come for a World Cup winner, can’t it be anyone better really,” said Collyer. “It’s a tough environment, it makes you better with your character. I’m just looking to help the team as much as I can.
“I remember clearing it and thinking it went over. But luckily it hadn’t. The most important is we did it as a team together.”