Jose Mourinho urges Ruben Amorim to stay the course: “A tough six months can spark a great revival”

Jose Mourinho has publicly backed Ruben Amorim, who labelled his first season at Manchester United “a disaster.” Despite the disappointing results, Mourinho believes the adversity could prove formative—just as it did during his own early managerial career at Porto.

United ended the Premier League campaign in 15th place, one of the club’s lowest ever finishes, and failed to qualify for European competition. The season concluded with a 1–0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Amorim summed it up bluntly: “This season was a disaster.”

Mourinho’s Porto precedent: how struggle became structure

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Mourinho recalled how his journey at Porto also began with instability:

"Manchester United missing out on Europe is a big blow. But Ruben is clearly being supported. I read that he said, 'I'm glad I went through these six months.' I experienced something similar when I joined Porto. We were struggling to qualify for anything—then everything changed."

Mourinho took charge of Porto in January 2002. In the remaining 15 league matches, his team recorded 11 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats—finishing the season in 3rd place and securing a spot in the UEFA Cup. Despite not challenging for the title, the momentum had clearly shifted.

The following summer, rather than splashing funds, Porto invested wisely in players who fit Mourinho’s tactical vision. Several key arrivals came from his former club União de Leiria. Within a year, the squad was transformed. Porto won the 2003 UEFA Cup and the 2004 Champions League, becoming the last club from outside Europe’s top five leagues to win the continent’s biggest prize.

Mourinho believes Amorim may be laying similar foundations. “A difficult start can become a strong structure,” he said—urging trust in a long-term vision rather than reactionary decisions.

Europa League final: a divided heart

The final in Bilbao featured two of Mourinho’s former clubs. Asked whether he was rooting for Manchester United or Tottenham, he gave an emotional and candid response:

"My heart was split. I have deep affection for United and a strong bond with Ruben. But watching Son Heung-min cry with the trophy moved me. That was a special moment for Tottenham fans."

INEOS remain committed to Amorim

According to The Telegraph and Sky Sports News, the Manchester United board remains committed to Amorim despite the collapse of their season. While there were reports suggesting Amorim considered resignation after the final, INEOS is reportedly determined to continue with him as part of a long-term rebuild.

In that context, Mourinho’s message is not just a nostalgic nod to the past. It is a strategic appeal for perspective. As Mourinho once turned a difficult six months into European glory, Amorim might now be laying the first stones of something lasting. Whether it takes root will depend on what happens next.