Ruben Amorim: “Sometimes I want to quit”

• Ruben Amorim said emotion got the better of him after Manchester United’s shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town, but insists he is focused on Burnley.
• The United boss admitted he sometimes “hates” and sometimes “loves” his players, describing the defeat as a moment of deep frustration.
• Amorim acknowledged his comments about wanting change were made in anger, but said he is ready to move forward and concentrate on Saturday’s Premier League match.

Ruben Amorim has admitted his emotions ran away with him in the aftermath of Manchester United’s Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town, but stressed he is fully focused on leading the team into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Burnley.

Amorim came under fire after the penalty shootout loss, when he declared “something has to change” and claimed his players had “spoken really loud about what they want” with their display at Blundell Park. The result intensified pressure on the Portuguese coach, who succeeded Erik ten Hag in November.

Facing the media at Carrington on Friday, Amorim struck a calmer tone and explained that his remarks were the product of raw frustration.

“Guys, to be really honest with you, every time that we have or have in the future one defeat like that, I’m going to be like that,” Amorim said. “I’m going to say that sometimes I hate my players. Sometimes I love my players. Sometimes I want to defend my players. This is my way of doing things and I’m going to be like that. And I felt that, in that moment, I was so frustrated and annoyed.”

The 40-year-old admitted that in moments like Wednesday night, he sometimes questions his role.

“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years, sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don’t want to be with them,” he said.

Reflecting on the shock exit, Amorim explained why the defeat cut so deeply.

“In that moment [after losing to Grimsby] I was really upset and really disappointed because I felt that we had a very good preseason, we were playing better, we were being consistent in the way we played,” he said. “We played badly for 30 minutes against Fulham. And then that kind of performance [against Grimsby], I was really disappointed with everything. But now it’s a new game and I’m focused on the next one.”

Amorim, who was smiling as he entered the press conference, acknowledged he needs to manage his own reactions more effectively.

“I need to improve on that. It’s going to be hard. But now I’m good with the next one,” he said.

United, who finished 15th last season in their worst league campaign since relegation in 1974, now face Burnley at Old Trafford as they look to steady their season.