Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that he avoids social media to safeguard himself and his family from the rampant abuse that permeates online platforms. This disclosure comes amidst a BBC investigation that uncovered over 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts or messages directed at managers and players in the Premier League and Women's Super League over a single weekend last month.
Amorim, who was appointed as Manchester United's manager in November 2024, joins the likes of Liverpool's Arne Slot and Newcastle United's Eddie Howe as frequent targets of online vitriol. The Portuguese coach, however, has chosen to disengage from the digital world to maintain his mental health and well-being.
"Everyone experiences this when they are in the public eye," Amorim stated. "I don't read it; I protect myself. I don't watch TV when they are talking about Manchester United, not because I don't agree - most of the time, I do - but it's a way for me to stay healthy."
The BBC's investigation, conducted in collaboration with data science company Signify, analyzed posts made during 10 Premier League matches and six WSL matches on November 8 and 9. The findings were stark, with messages containing racist slurs, homophobia, and threats of violence. Managers were found to be targeted more frequently than players, and 82% of the abusive posts were made on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Amorim acknowledged the financial implications of his decision, stating, "I lose money from sponsors. On Instagram, I could earn a lot of money, but for my family's protection and to live a normal life, it is not worth the extra dollars or pounds."
The Manchester United manager also provided updates on the team's injury situation. Striker Matheus Cunha is expected to return after a two-match absence due to a head injury. However, defender Harry Maguire and forward Benjamin Sesko remain sidelined, and Amorim expressed concerns about two additional unnamed players who could impact his team selection.
Amorim playfully addressed the "social media abuse" directed at Cunha for his apparent lack of goals, but emphasized that the Brazilian has more to offer both defensively and offensively. "He has more levels to go," Amorim said. "He is at a different club with different pressure, but I think he copes with that well."
United's form this season has been a mixed bag, with the team currently seventh in the Premier League table before their upcoming home game against West Ham. The club finished 15th in the table last season, their lowest finish since being relegated in 1973-74, and were defeated by Tottenham in the Europa League final. This season, they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.
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