Ruben Amorim has said he still "loves" Manchester United after returning to England with AC Milan, but refused to be drawn on the crisis engulfing his former club, where successor Michael Carrick is fighting to save his job.
The Portuguese coach, whose side face Bournemouth in the Europa League on Thursday, was sacked by United in January after 14 months in charge, with the club sixth in the Premier League and following a falling out with director of football Jason Wilcox. Under Carrick, United's poor start to the season worsened after a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
Amorim's Affection for United Remains
Speaking ahead of his return to a Premier League venue, Amorim said: "The most important thing is that I am here as the manager of Milan, and I need to respect that. What I said when I signed for Manchester United, that I love that club and the people there, remains true."
He added: "What happened since doesn't change that. That's all I want to say on the matter. I've moved on and I'm at another great club now. My club, Milan, has plenty of issues to address."
Amorim stressed his focus is on his current role: "I'm focused on my own life and our collective journey here because, as you know, at any big club, challenges are always just around the corner. So, I am fully focused on my work, my team, my players and my staff, not on what’s happening at another club."
Carrick Under Pressure
Carrick apologised after the heavy defeat to Como, and with disharmony in the camp, including Bruno Fernandes publicly criticising tactics, he could be removed before Sunday's game against Bournemouth.
Amorim's Milan sit fourth in Serie A, four points behind leaders Inter, but have had a mixed Europa League campaign, losing at home to Benfica before a convincing away win against RB Salzburg. Despite a solid start on paper, Amorim has faced criticism over unconvincing displays, with speculation he could be sacked for a second time this year.
Facing Bournemouth
On the match against Bournemouth, who are enjoying their first European campaign, Amorim said: "We're going there to win. There are always technical and tactical aspects that we need to improve and we still have a long way to go."
He added: "Bournemouth has quality and plays at a high tempo. They have some excellent players who are strong in one-on-one situations. They've made some changes since I faced them as manager of Manchester United, but they haven't lost their identity."
