Ruben Amorim Slams Manchester United ‘Lie’ in Fiery Cunha and Mbeumo Message

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has wasted no time stamping his authority at Old Trafford, but his latest press conference has set the football world alight. In a fiery exchange with reporters, the Portuguese boss slammed what he called a “complete lie” regarding his involvement in the signings of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha and Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.

The transfer saga has dominated headlines in recent weeks, with speculation swirling that Amorim personally handpicked the duo as part of a sweeping summer rebuild. But the 39-year-old coach, known for his straight-talking style and tactical brilliance, hit back at what he described as “fabricated stories” designed to undermine his tenure before it has even begun.

“A Lie Designed to Distract”

Speaking at Carrington ahead of United’s weekend fixture, Amorim addressed the rumors head-on.

“Let me be very clear — I did not request Cunha or Mbeumo. These are lies. These are distractions that do not help the players, do not help the club, and certainly do not help me,” Amorim said sharply.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon manager explained that while he respects both players’ qualities, the deals were already being pursued by United’s recruitment department before he officially arrived in Manchester. “I respect the work of the scouting team and the board. But these are not my signings. I will always be honest about that,” he continued.

Transfers in Transition

Manchester United’s recruitment strategy has been a point of contention for years. Following the turbulent post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, successive managers have clashed with the board over who holds the final say on transfers. From Louis van Gaal to José Mourinho to Erik ten Hag, the debate over “club signings” versus “manager signings” has often defined United’s off-pitch drama as much as its on-pitch struggles.

Amorim’s blunt remarks highlight that the tension may still be alive. His arrival was touted as the start of a new era, with promises that the manager would have more input into recruitment decisions. Yet his comments suggest that the old habits of United’s transfer machine — operating independently of the dugout — remain entrenched.

“This is not Sporting. This is Manchester United. Of course I must adapt, but people must stop lying about what I decide and what I don’t,” Amorim said.

Cunha and Mbeumo: The Backdrop

The two players at the heart of the controversy — Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo — both arrived at United for hefty sums, with reports suggesting a combined outlay of nearly £90 million.

Cunha, the Brazilian striker known for his relentless work rate and flair, was viewed as a replacement for Anthony Martial, whose injury struggles continue to frustrate. Mbeumo, meanwhile, has been one of Brentford’s brightest stars, providing goals and creativity in the Premier League since their promotion.

Supporters had believed Amorim targeted the pair to fit his dynamic, pressing style of play. But his denial throws that assumption into doubt — raising questions about whether United’s signings are being dictated by the board’s commercial and scouting interests rather than the manager’s tactical vision.

Media and Fan Reaction

Amorim’s comments quickly spread across social media, sparking fierce debate among fans. Some praised his honesty, with one supporter writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Finally a manager who tells it straight. No more pretending these are ‘his signings’ when clearly the club is doing its own thing.”

Others, however, worried that the statement risked alienating Cunha and Mbeumo themselves, who may now feel unwanted by their new manager. “It’s a dangerous game,” one pundit noted on Sky Sports. “By distancing himself from these signings, Amorim risks creating tension in the dressing room before a ball has even been kicked.”

A Message to the Board

Perhaps more than anything, Amorim’s fiery comments seemed aimed at Manchester United’s hierarchy as much as at the press. By publicly disowning the narrative that he demanded Cunha and Mbeumo, he made it clear he does not want to be held accountable for decisions outside his control.

“This is my reputation, my career,” Amorim said firmly. “I will be judged for results, yes — but only on the truth, not on lies.”

It was a line that underlined both his determination and his willingness to challenge the structures around him — something his predecessors often hesitated to do openly.

What’s Next?

Manchester United’s season is still in its early stages, but already Amorim has shown that he is not a manager who will sit quietly in the shadows. His tactical acumen is well-documented, but his handling of the media may prove equally crucial in navigating the high-pressure environment of Old Trafford.

For now, all eyes will be on how Cunha and Mbeumo adapt to life at United under a manager who has publicly distanced himself from their arrivals. Will they become key figures in Amorim’s system despite his denials, or will they serve as symbols of a deeper conflict between United’s boardroom and its new coach?

What is certain is that Ruben Amorim has made his stance clear — and in doing so, he has reignited a debate that Manchester United can never seem to escape: who really runs the show at Old Trafford?