I think there are a lot of early lessons that AC Milan supporters can take away from former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s return to the dugout against Celtic.
Ruben Amorim is finally back in the dugout for the first time since he was sacked as Manchester United manager in January and he oversaw a 2-2 draw on Saturday.
I thought the slippery slope for the 41-year-old Portuguese coach had started once again after his AC Milan side were 2-0 down at the half-time whistle at Celtic Park.
But I was proved wrong after a quick-fire brace from Francesco Camarda early in the second half ensured that Amorim did not have egg on his face at the weekend.
Ruben Amorim has been hired by AC Milan: How do you think he will fare?
Let us know your predictions! Man Utd face AC Milan in pre-season 👀
Ruben Amorim’s tactical comments straight after the Celtic vs AC Milan match caught my eye as a Man Utd fan
AC Milan fans might not be completely familiar with Ruben Amorim outside of his successful run at Sporting CP and polarising reputation at Manchester United.
However, the 14-month reign at Old Trafford was a real eye-opener for me, as I saw beyond the tactical praise that Amorim had received in his native homeland.
I supported Amorim like any other Man Utd manager — unwaveringly, even to my own detriment — but it became clear that he was out of his depth in the role.
I saw that in his contentious Man Utd tactical system, and I could see him do it once again after he talked about ‘changing the identity’ of a team like Milan now.
“I think it was a good training session,” Amorim said, as per Goal.
“Of course, we still have a lot of work to do, but the lads tried to implement new ideas. We conceded precisely because of this, but I liked seeing a team that wants to change their identity a bit.
“We need to improve in some moments, especially in situations close to our goal, but that’s normal.”
What is your response to Ruben Amorim’s apology?
Ruben Amorim has finally addressed Manchester United fans, six months after his sacking
Ruben Amorim’s tactical system will haunt him at AC Milan as it did at Man Utd — and I know from first-hand experience as a fan
What Amorim said after Milan’s draw against Celtic is no different from the same song and dance number that Red Devils supporters bought into at Man Utd.
I saw it first-hand after Amorim’s first match as Red Devils boss, which ended in Man Utd’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Ipswich Town at Portman Road in 2024.
“I know it is frustrating for the fans, but we are changing so much [at] this moment with a lot of games,” he said at the time, as per BBC Sport.
“We are going to suffer for a long period. We will try to win games, but this will take time.
“We have to risk it a little bit [now] and in the next year we will be better [otherwise] next year at the same stage we will be here with the same problems.”
United fans sure did “suffer” as Amorim suggested, but not in the way that led to a massive change for the Red Devils’ success under his reign at Old Trafford.
I warn Milan supporters now that Amorim’s tactical system will be his undoing again, offering very little flexibility and making his side all too predictable on the pitch.
I wish Amorim nothing but the best of luck post-Old Trafford, but I think Milan fans are going to experience a real eye-opener in the Serie A next season.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
