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.
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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.”
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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.
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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)
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The Rest Is Football to host new Netflix show during the 2026 World Cup
Danny Jones
If you’re wondering what the 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage is going to look like, one particular group of punditry regulars will be broadcasting remotely, as The Rest Is Football has signed a huge deal with Netflix.
Led by Gary Lineker and co-hosted by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the smash-hit sports podcast is taking its already visualised format into a new corner of streaming, signing on as Netflix’s official programming partner throughout the tournament.
Co-founded by Lineker himself, the show is owned and produced by Goalhanger Podcasts (who also oversee the equally popular The Rest Is History and Rest Is Politics series), and will be the brand’s first foray into TV.
Announcing the seasonal Rest Is Football spin-off this week, the trio of former footballers turned presenters shared a short trailer on social media, giving an overview of what fans can expect come World Cup 2026.
Obviously, as seasoned pros both on the pitch and on the box through their work on Match of the Day (MotD), BT/TNT Sports, CBS Sports and more, this will be familiar ground for all three of them.
Lineker was expected to anchor the BBC’s World Cup coverage as usual, but after leaving the company earlier this year, he has decided to go it alone – or rather with his close friends and long-time collaborators, with The Rest Is Football starting back in 2023.
As explained in the clip, this format will also mirror their coverage of the Euros last year, only this time, the former MotD poster boy will be doing his hosting duties over in the States, where the bulk of the now 48-team competition tournament is taking place.
Circling back, the 65-year-old has confirmed that he’ll be working from a studio in New York and will be accompanied not only by his co-hosts virtually but with several special guests scheduled to join in, too.
Multiple reporters are expected to remote in from the England camp and various fan zones, with the fixtures set to take place across North America and Mexico.
Will you be tuning into The Rest Is Football on Netflix next summer?
Salford Red Devils have officially gone bust after more than 152 years
Danny Jones
After more than a century and a half as one of the biggest and most well-supported rugby league teams in the country, Salford Red Devils have unfortunately been liquidated.
It’s a very, very sad day for the Super League and UK rugby at large.
Salford Red Devils had been flirting with insolvency and complete collapse for far too long, and even with the promise of investment following what has now proved to be a fruitless takeover back in February, the local sporting institution has now been folded.
Issuing an update to the fans on Wednesday, 3 December, what remains of the organisation shared an official statement online confirming the news, along with a picture of the crest blacked out.
They wrote the following: “We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club. For the original club staff who remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment.
“Whilst there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything.
“Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us. More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford.”
Reacting to the dreaded but not unexpected news on social media, vocal fan group The 1873 – who have been both outspoken, militant and dedicated in their protesting of the ownership group – added: “You tried to destroy something that was not yours to destroy – but today you have been defeated.
“Salford Rugby League will rise again, and the rebirth will be beautiful. The 1873.” While they chose to lean towards optimism where possible and belief in a fresh start, many more are undoubtedly still busy mourning the 152-year-old family as they know it.
Salford Red Devils were liquidated today after 152 years. The original Red Devils. Beyond heartbroken. If the club is reborn I'll throw my heart and soul into it. pic.twitter.com/6IvUNklNWJ
The local outfit where given a reprieve regarding their winding-up petition over unpaid debt, not once but four different times, over the past few months.
Financial worries had been lingering plenty before this, of course, with concerns being raised well over a year ago, with bridging loans and players ultimately having to be borrowed from other teams in the division, before various members of staff eventually were let go and/or walked out.
Having been officially relegated from the premier British rugby league competition in October (which also accompanied their IMG grading being dropped), to some, it felt like only a matter of time before this outcome would eventually arrive.
Nevertheless, some are still holding out hope that phoenix – or devil, rather – can rise from the embers and that Salford Red Devils will return in some form under a new regime. One can only hope.
Salfordians – what do you think needs to change if the club comes back?
Danny Jones -
26th May 2025 
