Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has just overseen the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish, but the man responsible tasked with ‘bringing the glory days again’ gave an admittedly inspiring motivational speech to close out the campaign.
Although former head coach ten Hag may have started the season in charge, his Portuguese successor brought an end to it that couldn’t have come sooner for supporters, who were treated to a rare win at Old Trafford this year as they won their last Premier League fixture of 2024/25 against Aston Villa 2-0.
Ruben’s Red Devils managed just 11 wins in the competition, and following the crushing blow that was the Europa League final, most fans just wanted it all to be over with.
However, as is often the case with football, a passionate speech by their gaffer was more than enough to get many of those who had their heads down ready and raring to go again next season, with Amorim addressing the crowd directly from the pitch after the full-time whistle.
The 40-year-old began by apologising for what he went on to dub a “disaster season”, acknowledging that he understands how “disappointed” fans have felt throughout his tenure thus far – especially following the collective heartbreak of the final – before going on to thank them for their faith and loyalty.
But it was one particular line that seemed to stir a fair amount of determination up in the stands, among those watching at home, and presumably within the players stood clapping from the centre-circle behind him: “The good days are coming.”
Reflecting his warning of the impending “storm” when he arrived at the club and alluding to the club’s long history of making it through much tougher times, such as the Munich Air Disaster, he urged those looking on not to get “stuck in the past” and fight amongst each other but to “move forward.”
He also took a moment to apologise to his own players, adding: “I want to say sorry also to my players; sometimes I was not fair, but I always try to be honest with you guys.”
Whether or not this particular part of the speech was an attempt to get some squad members back on side who may or may not be looking to move elsewhere (i.e. reportedly unhappy Alejandro Garnacho, loanee Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, etc.), only time will tell.
One thing we do know is that the passionate and candid address got most of those inside Old Trafford, not to mention fans watching around Greater Manchester and beyond, up for the challenge.
Finishing 15th on just 42 points may be their lowest-ever tally in the first division’s modern era, but you can guarantee that everyone around the club will be hoping it will prove to be little more than an outlier. The storm before the calm, even.
Amad Diallo himself, who has proved to be one of the few shining lights donning the famous shirt over the past year or so, already took to social media to write in a post: “I promise you that a season like this will never happen again at this great club.”
What about you, Reds – do you think he is the man who can turn things around? You can hear Ruben Amorim’s end-of-season speech in full down below.
Ruben rousing the Reds for a return to the ‘good days’.
Featured Images — MUTV (screenshots via YouTube)/Manchester United (via X)
Sport
Salford Red Devils have assured that their next game will ‘go ahead as scheduled’
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils have assured their supporters that their next game is set to go ahead as planned following the cancellation of their previous match over the weekend.
The local rugby league club is set to take on fellow Greater Manchester outfit Leigh Leopards this Friday, but there remain lingering doubts as to whether or not this latest fixture will be played either.
Nevertheless, Salford Red Devils have now issued a statement assuring those watching Super League round 23 at home and, more importantly, those travelling to nearby Wigan for the clash that “will go ahead as scheduled.”
Then again, the meeting against Wakefield Trinity RLFC was only called off two days prior, so many are still opting for a ‘touch wood’ mentality.
Sharing a statement on social media at the start of the week, the Red Devils said: “We can confirm this Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 23 clash between Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils will go ahead as scheduled.
“The Club, in consultation with the Rugby Football League (RFL), RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares, reluctantly decided to cancel last Sunday’s scheduled fixture versus Wakefield Trinity due to significant concerns regarding player welfare.
“However, with first-grade players back from injury this week, and others with Super League experience set to join on loan, this Friday’s fixture will proceed as planned.
“Your support this season has been incredible, both at home and on the road – thank you for backing the boys in such a tough period.”
While there were no issues on Wakefield’s end last Sunday, 17 August, it was made apparent that the home tie simply had to be cancelled, as the Salford side were effectively unable to raise a team.
Only two players were said to be actually available for the match, with the Devils having to depend on loanees for others in the division to stay afloat following several individuals departing this year.
So much passion as fans of Salford Red Devils came together to peacefully protest against the owners of the club.
Pretty special to also see supporters of rivals Wigan, Warrington & Widnes here to support the rugby league community ❤️
— Nick Hope – the athlete’s journalist (@NickHopeTV) August 17, 2025
Against the backdrop of yet more woe for the 125-year-old organisation, more than 500 fans decided to march outside the ground – led by passionate supporters group, The 1873 – with a clear message regarding problematic ownership and their equally ever-troublesome finances: “enough is enough.”
The board insist that the recent and increasingly decisive decision-making hasn’t been “taken lightly”, but the climate around the Salford Community Stadium is nevertheless turbulent, with some deeply distressing claims being made behind the scenes.
Perhaps one of the most alarming allegations came on Thursday, 14 August, when now former COO (chief operating officer) Claire Bradbury resigned within less than a year with the Devils after an ownership figure suggested she “sleep with someone at the RFL” to help their struggles.
She shared details of incidents in a lengthy open letter via LinkedIn; we sincerely hope the toxicity and lingering air of uncertainty abate soon, not just for the fans’ sake, but for the evidently long-suffering staff and everyone who has kept the club going this long.
Manchester chosen for first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer ‘FC’ concept store
Danny Jones
Manchester city centre has been chosen for the first-ever Pro:Direct Soccer concept store, which is set to be unveiled very soon.
While a specific opening date is yet to be announced, we now have a confirmed venue, which will be none other than the Arndale.
The world-famous online retailer first began experimenting with brick-and-mortar stores over a decade ago, with their LDN19 shop in the capital opening back in 2014, but now they’ve signed a new 10-year lease in the busy Manc shopping centre.
Set to open early in 2026, the flagship ‘PD:FC’ site promises to be “more than a store” and is purpose-built to celebrate all things football culture.
The hoardings are already up. (Credit: Supplied)
Due to take over a 9,180 sq ft unit spanning two floors, the new ‘Football Performance and Culture store’ is tipped as the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
Choosing Manchester due to its rich music, fashion, sporting and football heritage, most specifically, our home was seen as a natural destination for the new concept.
The debut PD:FC store is not only looking to offer a unique retail experience to our footy-obsessed city, but also deliver a site for innovation and cultural crossover.
As per an official press release, the brand says PD:FC “ensures every player finds the right fit, feel, and edge to allow them to ‘Play Better’”, adding that it will “curates the evolving world of football culture, harnessing the energy of the streets, the glory of stadiums, and the influences within game and beyond.”
‘PRO:DIRECT Sport PD:FC’ will be come just the latest in a recent trend of high-profile openings in the Arndale and neighbouring New Cathedral Street, with the likes of Sephora and Represent attracting huge opening day queues, not to mention fellow sport and activity brands, Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga and Trailberg.
Speaking on the announcement, PRO:DIRECT Sport‘s Chief of Brand, Sam Baldock, said: “Manchester is the beating heart of football culture – a city where the game’s history, passion, and future collide.
“Launching our new PD:FC concept here is about more than opening a store; it’s about creating a space that lives and breathes football and its culture.
“A place where players and fans can connect with the very best the sport has to offer. This is our home for the football-inspired community in the Manchester area – from the streets to the stadiums – and we can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.”
Danny Jones -
26th May 2025 
