Ruben Amorim feels Man Utd misery echo in AC Milan’s Bournemouth loss
Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan suffered a humbling 3‑0 loss to Bournemouth on Thursday night, leaving the San Siro side perched 24th in the Europa League table and intensifying scrutiny of the Portuguese boss’s tenure. The defeat not only dents Milan’s European hopes but also revives memories of Amorim’s troubled spell at Manchester United.
European setback in Bournemouth
AC Milan travelled to the Dean Court for the Europa League tie, only to see goalkeeper Mike Maignan dismissed after a double‑handed push on Cherries midfielder Tyler Adams. In the confusion Amorim attempted to bring on a replacement keeper without withdrawing an outfield player, a move that drew criticism. Bournemouth took the lead through Justin Kluivert, before Marcus Tavernier converted a penalty to make it 2‑0. A second‑half free‑kick from Amine Adli completed the 3‑0 rout.
The defeat marked Amorim’s first return to English football since his dismissal from Manchester United, a night described by Sport journalist James Whaling as a chastening reminder of his earlier struggles on British soil.
Amorim’s past haunts and future pressure
Bournemouth supporters seized the moment, chanting “Ruben Amorim, it’s happened again!” as they recalled the Portuguese manager’s two previous failures against the Cherries while in charge of the Red Devils. United (Utd) had been beaten 3‑0 at Old Trafford in December 2024 and then forced into a 4‑4 draw at the same venue twelve months later.
Carrick warns Man United they have lost their way before Bournemouth
Domestically, Milan sit fourth in Serie A but languish 24th in the Europa League, a stark contrast that underscores the precariousness of Amorim’s project. He has persisted with a three‑at‑the‑back formation that proved disastrous at Manchester United, yet earlier this season he hinted he would be willing to adapt.
Reflecting on a recent 2‑0 loss to Benfica, Amorim told reporters, “We lost tonight, but we will find the solutions to adapt to these games, because we need to create an idea, but we also need to win, so of course we can adapt.” The statement echoes his earlier admission, “I change all the time, we need to start with a base, we have two months of work.”
Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United ended in January after a turbulent fourteen‑month spell that left the club sixth in the Premier League despite a £250 million summer spending spree. His spell at Man United began with high expectations. He was succeeded by Michael Carrick, who has guided United back to the Champions League but now faces intense pressure after securing only two wins from eleven matches across all competitions.