Amorim says he still loves Manchester United but is focused on Milan
Ruben Amorim says he still has strong affection for Manchester United, but insisted his focus is firmly on AC Milan as they prepare to face Bournemouth in the Europa League.
‘I really love that club’
Asked about his former employers ahead of Thursday’s match at the Vitality Stadium, Amorim said his feelings had not changed since he joined United. “I love that club and the feeling of everyone there, everything that happened doesn’t change that,” he said.
Amorim declined to discuss the club at length, stressing that he was speaking as Milan’s coach. “I moved on and I’m in another big club,” he said. “I’m really focused on my job, on my team, on my players, on my staff and not on another club.”
Ramos injury not serious
Amorim said Goncalo Ramos had not suffered a serious injury, while Milan would continue to assess Samuel Chukwueze in the coming days. “Tomorrow we will see the starting XI,” he said, adding that the club was managing workloads amid a busy schedule.
The coach confirmed that teenage forward Alphadjo Cisse would feature against Bournemouth, but did not reveal his position. Cisse scored a hat-trick against RB Salzburg last week, yet Amorim cautioned against placing excessive expectations on him.
“He’s at the beginning of something,” Amorim said, estimating that Cisse was at “50% of his potential.” He praised the youngster’s progress but said consistency and experience would be important, urging the club to give him time.
Amorim expects a demanding test
Milan have taken three points from their opening two Europa League matches, while Bournemouth have won both of theirs in their first European campaign. Amorim described the Premier League side as fast and dangerous in transition, calling the fixture important for Milan’s development and preparation, though not decisive for the competition.
He also said Milan’s choices among young players depend on the qualities required for each match. Regarding Davide Bartesaghi’s place in the squad, Amorim said selection reflected tactical details and the characteristics he wanted for a particular game.