In a move reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of mental health in the world of professional sports, Portuguese coach Rúben Amorim, manager of Manchester United, has decided to go against the grain in the digital age. The young manager announced his complete withdrawal from social media platforms and sports talk shows, explaining that he wants to "preserve his health" and protect his psychological and family stability in the face of a deluge of online abuse, even if it means financial losses from sponsorship and advertising contracts.
General context: The price of sitting on the hot seat at Old Trafford
It's no secret that managing Manchester United is one of the toughest jobs in football, given the club's illustrious history and massive global fan base. Since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, every manager has faced immense pressure, with every loss or setback becoming fodder for scathing criticism across media outlets and social media platforms. Amorim's decision comes at a time of growing global calls to protect athletes and coaches from cyberbullying, a worrying phenomenon that threatens the integrity of the game.
Shocking facts about cyber abuse in the Premier League
Amorim's statements didn't come out of thin air; they are supported by recent facts and studies. A BBC investigation last November revealed alarming figures: more than 2,000 extremely violent messages, including explicit threats of murder and rape, were sent to prominent figures in the English Premier League (men's and women's) in just one weekend. This toxic environment led Amorim to say, "These days, it's normal to be exposed to this in any profession, but I don't watch; I protect myself.".
Sports results and their direct impact
The 40-year-old manager takes the reins of the Red Devils under complex circumstances. According to current data, the team has suffered disappointing results, finishing last season in 15th place, the club's worst finish since its historic relegation in the 1973-74 season. Despite a relatively better start to this season, with the team currently in seventh place before the 14th round, the pressure remains.
In a press conference on the eve of the West Ham match, Amorim explained his philosophy, saying: "I don't watch television when they talk about Manchester United, not because I disagree with them—I often agree with the criticism—but because it's my way of maintaining my balance." He emphasized that he doesn't need external criticism to recognize mistakes, stating, "No one can be harsher on myself than I am when we lose.".
Priority is given to quality of life and family
Amorim concluded by addressing the financial aspect, emphasizing that peace of mind is priceless. He said, "Of course, I lose money in terms of maintenance. On Instagram, I could earn a lot, but for me, the quality of my life, protecting my family, and the way I can live a normal life are not worth a few extra dollars or pounds." This stance reflects great maturity and sends an important message to athletes worldwide: mental health should always take precedence over any financial consideration.
