Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has suggested that “everyone” at the club is “too comfortable” and, judging by his press conference, he wasn’t just referring to the players.
Less than two months into his tenure at Old Trafford, the Portuguese head coach has struggled to get much significant training time with his squad amidst the winter fixture congestion but after getting a few more days ahead of the derby against Liverpool on Sunday, he managed to come away with a result.
Man United took the lead against Arne Slot’s table-toppers and defended much better than fans have seen all season for the majority of the 90 minutes, not to mention showing fight to stay in the game and nearly win it if not for Harry Maguire’s shot over the bar at the death.
Speaking to the media after the whistle, Amorim said that he saw his side properly face the opposition “the way we are supposed to”, perhaps for the first time since he took charge, insisting that they demonstrated the mentality he expects from them every week from preparation to full-time.
"I feel we are too comfortable, we need a shock" 💬
Ruben Amorim says his team were a "different team" against Liverpool yesterday 🔴 pic.twitter.com/fIWuBiG876
Reiterating that “mentality is the key, for everything” be it in training or the match itself,
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Most notably, however, the 39-year-old said: “I feel that everyone we, not just the players but everyone at Manchester United is too comfortable; I think sometimes we need a shock and you can see it today – we were a different team.”
This isn’t the first time Amorim has mentioned that his squad have been in need of a “big shock”, having said as much after the Newcastle United game when he even went so far as to claim that the prospect of a relegation battle is a “possibility”, and that such an eventuality should put fear into them.
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As for how much of this is pointed at individuals beyond those lacing up their boots or if he’s just trying to communicate unity, good and bad, we’ll leave that up to your interpretation.
In fact, make what you will of the performances of the former Sporting boss up till now, but his seemingly brutal honesty is one thing that has remained consistent throughout his time in the Premier League thus far, as the comments he has made about the club in just a few weeks are rather stark.
Another remark he made after the home defeat to Newcastle was that it is “a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach” at present, particularly following the run of results they have been on (besides the Manchester derby win and a point away at Anfield), adding that they were “not improving.”
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However, cut to a week later and some more tangible contact time with his players and staff on the training pitch and his tune has changed somewhat, applauding not only how they applied themselves against the league leaders, whilst still adding that everyone has the right to and “should be MAD.”
Up until this point, Amorim believes United have been ‘too comfortable’ but that he’s started to see what he wants from the club.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes also confirmed that the anger and frustration was certainly felt in the dressing room, confessing that he was “pretty upset” not only to not have walked away with all three points after such a defiant display but that they have produced performances like that before.
As good as a point away against their historic rivals, especially given their current supremacy and United’s struggles of late, Amorim’s compatriot and team captain assured that they “can’t be happy” with just a draw asked, “Why can’t we do this every week?”
With the Red Devils’ next four fixtures including a cup tie away against Arsenal, a home game against an impressive Brighton outfit and a Europa League night against Rangers, could this be the start of the tide starting to turn in the red half of Manchester?
More importantly, do you agree with Amorim’s comments – are United guilty of being ‘too comfortable’ for too long?
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You can listen back to Rúben Amorim’s post-match press conference in full following his first derby against Liverpool down below:
Featured Images — Optus Sports/Beanyman Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
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Bury FC legend Nicky Adams confirms retirement after more than two decades
Danny Jones
Bury FC is saying goodbye to a veteran of Greater Manchester football as local legend Nicky Adams has announced he will be retiring at the end of the season.
The Bolton-born midfielder has enjoyed a 22-year career, playing for 10 different clubs in that time, most notably Bury, where he began as an academy product and earned his first senior minutes back in 2005.
Having been with the club across four different stints and by far the largest chunk of his playing days, making more than 200 appearances for the North West Counties side, he’s practically part of the furniture at this point.
But the time has finally come, as Adams revealed he will be retiring from professional football at the age of 38 – his longevity being an incredible achievement in itself.
⚪🔵 Nicky Adams has announced his retirement from football.
Adams has had a 22-year football career and will hang up his boots at the end of the season to take up a full-time coaching role.
Confirmed via a club statement on Tuesday, 15 April, the Shakers informed fans that Adams, who returned to his home club back in December, will be able to toast hanging up his boots with a promotion party if they avoid defeat against Burscough.
Adams has represented several other Greater Manchester teams in the past too, playing 85 games for Rochdale and 59 for Oldham Athletic, as well as 88 for Radcliffe FC.
Having scored 14 goals during his time with Bury, as well as serving as club captain, he told the club: “I think it’s perfect timing for me, I’m learning the coaching side of it. I’ve been doing that for the last few years, and I’ve got a big opportunity to go and do that full-time now.
“I came here at 16 years old; I’ve come back a few times now, I’ve played over 200 games for the football club, I don’t need to tell anyone what it means to me.
“I’ve had some unbelievable times here, and I’ll be forever grateful to this football club, which gave me the opportunity to go and be a professional footballer and go on the journey that I’ve been on. I’m forever grateful for that.”
Speaking on his return late last year, it’s plain to see how big an impression Gigg Lane has left on him.
He may be calling time on his playing days, but he’s not going anywhere.
Manager Dave McNabb went on to say: “I’m not really sure how to put into words the impact that Nicky has had on me and this group since he walked back through the door in December.
“His legendary status at this football club is well-known and documented. I had heard a lot of good things about his character and his personality through mutual friends and people within the game, so I knew he was going to be a good lad and have a positive impact in the dressing room.
Even with this knowledge, never did I expect to meet such an honest and caring man with enormous levels of integrity and with such high standards and principles. He’s a leader amongst men. When he talks, people listen. He gets the best out of others.
He is trusted and respected by everyone. He drives positive relationships within the group. He is the glue that holds things together. I’m proud to have brought him back to HIS football club, I’m proud to have played a very small part in his illustrious career but most of all, I’m proud to be able to call him a friend.
Signing off with a sentiment, McNabb added: “Good luck Nicky, you’re a legend.”
Tommy Fury announces return to boxing after his ‘hardest battle’ yet
Danny Jones
Manc boxer Tommy Fury has announced his return to the ring later this year, although he’s still keeping tight-lipped about some of the finer detailsabout his next fight.
Tommy Fury has been stuck on the sidelines for the best part of the last two years following his last boxing match against influencer and musician KSI, having reluctantly stepped away from boxing through injury and well-publicised personal issues outside of the sport.
He ultimately pulled out of his intended comeback against Darren Till ahead of what looked to be an already fraught face-off, and his been quiet on the competitive front ever since – until now.
Revealing a scheduled date for the next fight, the 25-year-old took to social media to confirm that he will be back very soon but is withholding some of the particulars for now.
Writing in the caption, the younger Fury brother said: “Two years out. One surgery. The hardest battle I’ve faced has been the mental battle of being away from boxing. But I’m back stronger, sharper, and more HUNGARY than ever.”
However, the most notable omission is who he will actually be taking on, i.e. one of the main reasons fight fans would be interested in the first place.
Although many have been left frustrated by the infrequency of his fights due to multiple cancellations, it’s clearly a concerted effort to build anticipation ahead of the event.
Sharing the date for his Budapest bout – which is coming much sooner than many would have expected (Friday, 9 May) – he signed off by adding: “It’s showtime. Let’s go!”
Besides the social media post, the local fighter published a lengthy announcement video/teaser trailer on the official Tommy Fury YouTube channel on Monday night, in which he states, “the contract has literally just been signed as we speak”.
You can watch the feature in full down below:
In truth, the majority of the video is about brand deals, but it does show getting some training done.
Hyping up his undefeated record, with 10 wins to his name thus far in his still fairly fledgling boxing career, he goes on to say he is “over the moon” and ready to get back in business.
Only time will tell whether this fight will actually go ahead as his followers have gotten more than used to seeing his matches postponed or cancelled. First and foremost, who do you think his comeback opponent is gong to be?
His name has mostly been in the headlines due to his high-profile relationship with fellow famous face Molly Mae-Hague.
The couple, who first met on Love Island back in 2019, welcomed their first child, Bambi, back in January 2023 but went on to split up last August. A docuseries covering their struggles dropped at the start of this year.
Danny Jones -
6th January 2025 
