Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United mistakes after Milan move

Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly admitted he made "a lot of mistakes" during his troubled spell at Old Trafford, insisting the experience has ultimately made him a better coach ahead of his new challenge with AC Milan.

Speaking during Milan's pre-season tour of Australia, Amorim reflected on his difficult time in England after being dismissed by United in January following a disappointing run of results and growing tensions with the club's hierarchy.

Rather than blaming circumstances alone, Amorim acknowledged his own shortcomings during his brief tenure.

"I learned a lot," he told Sky Italia. "It would be hard to point to one thing, but the important thing that I clearly know is that I made a lot of mistakes."

"When you do this kind of reflection, and you understand that it was not just their fault, but also my fault, I think you can be a better coach and a better man."

The Portuguese coach endured one of the most difficult managerial spells in Manchester United's history. During his time in charge, United recorded the club's lowest Premier League win percentage under any permanent manager, while also conceding goals at an alarming rate and keeping few clean sheets.

Despite his disappointing exit from Old Trafford, Amorim revealed Milan's hierarchy viewed his experience at Manchester United as a strength rather than a weakness.

"They appointed me because they felt I was the right guy for the way I want to play," Amorim explained.

"They signed me not just for my success, but also for my experience with a top club like Manchester United and the reflections I shared in our meetings."

"I think they understood I was prepared for this job not only because of my successes, but also because of my failures."

Amorim believes those setbacks helped convince Milan owner Gerry Cardinale that he was the right coach to lead the club's rebuild.

Although questions inevitably centred on his time at Manchester United, Amorim stressed he has already moved on.

"The first thing is that it doesn't matter anymore," he said. "There's a history, then something happens, the context changes, and you focus on the next challenge."

The 41-year-old also revealed he has already spoken with several Milan legends, including Daniele Massaro and Franco Baresi, to better understand the club's culture and expectations.

Having supported Milan since childhood, Amorim admitted taking charge at San Siro represents a personal ambition.

"It's a dream to coach this club," he said. "They chose me for a reason, and one of the reasons is that I like to look at teams that are struggling. We want to rebuild something."

Manchester United reportedly paid significant compensation following Amorim's dismissal, covering both the Portuguese coach and his backroom staff. However, that financial burden was reduced after AC Milan appointed him as their new head coach.

Milan had also considered several other managerial candidates before ultimately deciding Amorim was the best fit to oversee the club's long-term project.

Amorim's attention now turns to preparing Milan for the new Serie A campaign, where expectations will be high following his appointment. Meanwhile, his honest assessment of his Manchester United spell is likely to draw renewed attention as both clubs begin a new chapter under different leadership.