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Ruben Amorim, the new Manchester United manager, has already made a positive impression on the Old Trafford crowd with two convincing home victories. However, despite the warm reception, Amorim has made it clear that he’s not comfortable with fans chanting his name during matches. Echoing Jurgen Klopp’s sentiments from his early days at Liverpool, Amorim admitted that while he appreciates the connection with supporters, he prefers that the focus remains on the players and the team.
Ahead of United's match against Arsenal, Amorim expressed his discomfort with the chants, explaining that it feels a little awkward and he doesn't like it. "I don’t like my chant, I don’t like it," he said. "I feel a little bit, not embarrassed, but because I’m the coach, they have to chant for the players and for the club." He emphasized that the players on the pitch deserve the support, not the manager standing on the sideline. Despite this, he acknowledged the positive bond with the fans and recognized the importance of results in maintaining that connection.
Amorim’s stance mirrors that of Klopp, who was vocal about his discomfort with similar chants during his early tenure at Liverpool. In 2016, after guiding Liverpool to the Europa League final, Klopp told German broadcaster Sport 1 that he felt awkward hearing his name sung by fans, saying it would be better if they refrained from doing so. He likened it to celebrating a penalty before it was scored and urged supporters to focus on celebrating team success instead. Klopp even gestured to fans to stop singing his name during games, something Amorim hopes to avoid, although he understands the admiration.
The Manchester United manager is focused on the team’s performance and maintaining fan support through results. A win over Arsenal, who sit seven places ahead of United in second, would further strengthen his connection with the fans. However, Amorim will face challenges in his squad for the match. Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez will miss the game after both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season in United's 4-0 win over Everton. Bruno Fernandes is also a doubt for the fixture, while Leny Yoro could make his debut after a long recovery from injury.
Amorim will continue to emphasize the importance of collective team success while managing expectations around his own role at the club.
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