Ruben Amorim’s Man United can give Liverpool a run for their money if he’s backed by the board.
That’s according to Peterborough United F.C. chairman and Liverpool fan Darragh MacAnthony.
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During last night’s deadline day coverage with Jim White and Alex Crook, the discussion veered towards Ruben Amorim and Marcus Rashford.
They contemplated whether Amorim could indeed transform Manchester United into genuine title contenders next season, provided he gets the backing he needs from Old Trafford’s hierarchy.
MacAnthony boldly said, “One thing about Amorim is this guy is a winner, I don’t care if you won in Portugal and all of that; Mourinho came from Portugal.
“This guy, if he’s backed in the transfer market, is a threat to Liverpool. And I say that with a bit of arrogance because of where we are.”
His bold statement left Jim White and Alex Crook momentarily speechless, particularly given the tumultuous ups and downs of United’s current season.
After a disheartening loss to Crystal Palace over the weekend, the team now finds itself with 11 defeats in the Premier League this season.
It is also the first time since 1983 that United have gone four league games without a goal against the same opponent.
Ruben Amorim‘s side now sits 13th in the table, having been leapfrogged by Palace.
Palace’s victory has only intensified Amorim’s struggles since taking the reins at United in November.
Since he arrived in the Premier League, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has managed to secure a mere 14 points from 13 matches.
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He has also won just one of his last six home league fixtures, a disappointing streak that dates back to December 1.
Consequently, the Red Devils now find themselves a daunting 12 points away from the top four after 24 matches.
MacAnthony also commended Amorim for how he handled Rashford’s behaviour before he went out on loan.
“Amorim has nothing to lose; he hasn’t really been backed. He’s gone in there; he’s been there five minutes.
“They knew the style of football and formation he plays. They didn’t have the players for that, and they’ve gone into the first window and brought in one player.
“This is a guy that is meant to bring success back to Man United. I have absolute respect for what he’s done with Marcus Rashford.
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“He’s gone to Aston Villa, and if he underachieves there, I don’t know where he goes in the summer. And I don’t know where United go because they’re not going to get 20, 30, or 40 million for him.”
Rashford’s last appearance for the Red Devils was a Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
The 60-cap England international found himself sidelined by United boss Amorim following Rashford’s admission in December that he was ‘ready for a new challenge.’
Amorim was particularly critical of what he perceived to be a lack of effort from Rashford on the training ground.
The United boss even stated he would prefer to have Jorge Vital, his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach, on the bench over Rashford, who he claimed ‘doesn’t give his all every day.’
Manchester United’s upcoming challenge lies against relegation-threatened Leicester this Friday evening.
