Amorim Focused on AC Milan, Not Man United, Ahead of Bournemouth Return
Ruben Amorim has put his Manchester United spell to one side as AC Milan prepare to face Bournemouth in the Europa League on Thursday, saying his attention is entirely on his new club despite the fixture bringing him back to England.
The 41-year-old took charge of Milan in June, five months after United dismissed him following 14 months in the post. Speaking at the Vitality Stadium, Amorim said he retained warm feelings towards the Old Trafford club and its supporters, but saw no value in revisiting the circumstances of his departure. He said his previous experiences would not distract from Milan’s immediate task against Bournemouth.
Amorim said he did not believe the period at United had altered him personally, although it had added to his coaching experience. “I understand football better,” he said, explaining that the additional experience should help him handle future difficulties. He added that major clubs inevitably encounter problems and that Milan must concentrate on their own work rather than developments elsewhere.
Milan will be without Samuel Chukwueze because of a hip issue, while Gonçalo Ramos has suffered a calf strain. Amorim expects 19-year-old Alphadjo Cissè to be involved against the Cherries, although he believes the youngster is still only at “50 per cent” of what he can eventually become.
United, meanwhile, have endured a difficult opening to the season under Amorim’s successor Michael Carrick. Pressure has increased on Carrick after Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat away to Cesc Fabregas’ Como in Italy, with Carrick and Fernandes appearing to exchange pointed remarks in their respective post-match comments to the travelling media.
