Ruben Amorim’s Pre-Match Press Conference Ahead of Manchester United vs Everton: Key Quotes and Analysis
Yesterday (Friday, November 21, 2025), Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim faced the media at Carrington training ground for his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday night’s Premier League clash against Everton at Old Trafford (kick-off 8:00 PM GMT).
Marking almost exactly one year since his first game in charge (a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town on November 24, 2024), Amorim reflected on the journey so far, provided injury updates, discussed the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) impact, and shared his expectations for a more dominant United side.
Injury Updates: Sesko Out for “A Few Weeks”
The main concern heading into the game is striker Benjamin Sesko, who was forced off with a knee injury in the recent 2-2 draw at Tottenham.
• Amorim confirmed: “He’s going to stay a few weeks out. We have to be careful with him, but it’s not that serious.”
• Sesko’s absence coincides with potential AFCON call-ups, but Amorim hopes the Slovenian will return around the same time as key attackers depart.
Other notes:
• Harry Maguire is not ready for the Everton match.
• Kobbie Mainoo is expected to train on Saturday and could be available.
Africa Cup of Nations Impact
With AFCON starting on December 21, 2025, in Morocco, United could lose several players:
• Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
• Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
• Possibly Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Amorim said:
“It’s a concern, but we already knew. It’s an opportunity for other players. We have also the Under-21s. We need to send a message in that time, so we’ll see. But of course, it’s not ideal because they are so important in our team and we don’t have a long squad.”
He added that the club is working to keep selected players as long as possible (players typically join up two weeks before the tournament starts).
One Year On: Reflecting on Progress
Amorim looked back at his debut year: “Yeah, there was everything really fast. The first thinking was like the first game, the environment is completely different in the Premier League, and I was excited with that. Right away I knew that we would struggle with some things, but there was a feeling that yes, it was the best league and the best club in the world.”
On expectations now: “We suffered a lot last year, so we have to take that into account and play every game like it’s the last one or the first one. But of course, if you ask me, I expect a team with more control, more dominance, playing better football. The most important thing: more competitive in every way.”
On the Everton Game and the League Table
Despite Everton sitting lower in the table, Amorim dismissed any notion of an “easy” fixture: “It doesn’t matter. In our league, it doesn’t matter. The table, it doesn’t matter. Everything is so tight that is irrelevant. If you know the history of our team, you never know where the difficult game is.”
Tactical Flexibility
When asked if certain players (e.g., versatile options like Diogo Dalot or others) could cover multiple roles: “He can play there. Of course, the load that the player does in that position is a little bit different… but of course, he can play there. He’s a smart player and he’s fit in the moment, so I think he’s an option.”
Final Thoughts from Amorim
The Portuguese coach remains focused on building momentum after a five-game unbeaten run that has lifted United to within touching distance of the top four.
An embargoed section of the press conference (deeper topics, often released closer to matchday) is expected tomorrow evening.
Monday Night Football at Old Trafford feels like a big moment — a chance to show how far we’ve come in 12 months under Ruben Amorim. Come on, United! 🔴
Sources: Official club channels, The Peoples Person (full transcript), BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Manchester Evening News.
