Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says he avoids reading social media to protect himself and his family from online abuse.
A BBC investigation recently found more than 2,000 extremely abusive posts including death and rape threats aimed at Premier League and Women’s Super League managers and players over just one weekend. Amorim, along with Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, was among the main targets.
Amorim said: “Being criticised is normal in any job where you’re in the spotlight. I don’t read it. I stay away from it to protect myself. I don’t watch TV when they talk about Manchester United — not because I don’t agree with them, because often I do — but it’s healthier for me. My own feelings about the team are enough.”
The BBC’s investigation, carried out with data company Signify, analysed posts from 10 Premier League and six WSL matches on 8–9 November. It found racist abuse, homophobia and violent threats. Managers were targeted more than players, and 82% of the abuse came from X (formerly Twitter). Most abusive accounts were based in the UK or Ireland, and numbers are rising.
Amorim added that avoiding social media impacts him financially:
“I lose money from sponsors. I could make a lot from Instagram, but protecting my family and having a normal life is more important than extra money.”
He said no one can be harder on him than he is on himself when the team performs badly, and avoiding abuse is the “only way to survive” in modern football.
United finished 15th last season , their lowest league finish since 1973–74 , lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, and missed out on European qualification. This season they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby and are seventh in the Premier League before Thursday’s match against West Ham.
