Everyone thinks Arsenal will win - Reuben Amorim plans to shock Gunners

Amorim vows to restore Old Trafford’s fear factor ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the club has lost its traditional aura at Old Trafford but has promised to rebuild the stadium’s reputation as a fortress, starting with Sunday’s Premier League opener against Arsenal.

The Red Devils endured a disastrous 2024/25 campaign, losing nine home league games and slumping to 15th place, their lowest finish in more than 50 years.

Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last November, has since overseen a £210 million summer rebuild, bringing in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo to inject firepower and confidence into the squad.

What Amorim said

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Portuguese coach stressed the importance of unity between the squad and supporters to restore belief.

“We’ve got to make Old Trafford an enjoyable place for our fans. That is really important,” Amorim said.

He continued, “Everyone thinks Arsenal are going to win, I know that. But we will be there on Sunday to change things.”

Amorim admitted that the fear factor once associated with United’s ground has eroded, not only among players but also within the fanbase.

“It’s not just the players, it’s also the fans. In the friendly against Fiorentina, you could feel the nervousness. That feeling doesn’t change in one day. We have to fight it, together, players, coaches, and fans. If you want to be a very strong team and win trophies, then especially at home, you have to win games,” he explained.

With pressure mounting after United’s heavy investment and expected departures from the so-called “bomb squad,” Amorim has made turning Old Trafford back into a fortress his top priority this season.

The showdown with Arsenal will be his first real test of whether he can make the Theatre of Dreams a place opponents once again fear to visit.