Ruben Amorim's return to English football ended in embarrassment as Bournemouth fans mocked him during AC Milan's 3-0 Europa League defeat at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Portuguese, who was sacked by Manchester United in January after a dismal 15-month spell, now manages AC Milan. His comeback to England was marred by a bizarre attempted substitution that drew ridicule from the home supporters.
Maignan Dismissal and Confusion on the Touchline
The match unravelled for Milan when goalkeeper Mike Maignan was dismissed with 28 minutes played for pushing Tyler Adams in the face. The visitors finished the game with ten men.
Amorim animatedly remonstrated with the fourth official to no avail. He then attempted to send on replacement goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani without withdrawing another player, leading to comical scenes of confusion on the touchline. He eventually decided to hook Nottingham Forest loanee Omari Hutchinson.
Fans Remind Amorim of History Repeating
Bournemouth went 3-0 up in the second half after Amine Adli dispatched a tidy free-kick. The home support gleefully reminded Amorim of a similar result from his previous post, as his Manchester United side were also beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford just a month into his tenure.
“Ruben Amorim, it's happened again,” sang the Cherries faithful. Amorim laughed off the jibe.
Amorim Moves On as United Struggle
Amorim insisted his admiration for Manchester United had not faded, saying his struggles at Old Trafford are water under the bridge.
“The most important thing is that I am here as the manager of Milan, and I need to respect that,” he said. “What I said when I signed for Manchester United, that I love that club and the people there, remains true. 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.”
United, meanwhile, are winless in seven matches after Wednesday night's defeat by Como, leaving head coach Michael Carrick under intense scrutiny and odds-on to win the Premier League sack race. Amorim has more Premier League opposition to come this season, with Sunderland due to visit the San Siro in December.
