Manchester United Stars Grapple with Ruben Amorim’s Blunt Criticism Ahead of Europa League Final

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Inside the Manchester United Dressing Room: Facing Amorim’s Tough Love

Imagine working hard all week and then hearing your boss call you out in public for not hitting the mark. That’s basically what’s happening at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager’s approach has been tough and unfiltered, leaving a real sting for the players. Diogo Dalot, United’s energetic full-back, pulled back the curtain this week and admitted, “It hurts a lot.” But it’s not all resentment—there's a strange respect for Amorim's brutal honesty. His criticisms, especially during the club’s shaky moments this season, haven’t led to a split in the squad. If anything, Dalot says, the team is even more united by the challenge.

Amorim isn’t holding back when the team stumbles. After lackluster games and dropped points, he’s the first to name exactly where things went wrong. This can be a shock to the system for players who are used to managers massaging egos or choosing more diplomatic words behind closed doors. Still, Dalot pointed out that Amorim’s approach is genuinely about pushing limits—making everyone see where they can do better, even if it means a bit of pain in the process. According to people close to the club, many younger players are starting to see these tough moments as opportunities to grow, not just as public scoldings.

Bouncing Back and Proving a Point

This week, the focus is laser-sharp on the Europa League final against Tottenham. Dalot is working hard to recover from a nagging injury, desperate to contribute on the big stage and show that United can thrive under pressure. He’s made it clear: no one in the squad wants to let Amorim, themselves, or the fans down. Around Carrington, the training ground is full of intense drills and even more intense conversations. Players are talking through both the words Amorim has used and the expectations he’s set—and it’s starting to foster a deeper sense of togetherness.

The tension of Amorim’s leadership style hasn’t led to fractures. Instead, Dalot believes it’s forging a tougher mentality within the squad. The players are challenging each other to raise their standards, to block out noise, and to thrive when the spotlight is hottest. Tottenham isn’t just another opponent; it’s a chance for United to flip the script and respond to criticism with performance, not just promises.

When asked about the emotional scars left by Amorim’s press conferences, Dalot didn’t dodge: it stings, but it’s fuel. It’s also a signal that the days of protecting egos in a bubble are over at Old Trafford. What you see—on and off the pitch—is a group grinding through discomfort and using it as motivation. If Amorim’s goal was to provoke a stronger, bolder squad, the evidence is starting to show. The real test, though, will be under the floodlights against Tottenham, where words count for less than results.