Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says he deliberately stays away from social media to shield himself and his family from online abuse.
His comments follow a BBC investigation that uncovered more than 2,000 highly abusive messages, including death and rape threats targeted at managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League during a single weekend last month.
“My feeling as a coach is enough”
Amorim, along with Liverpool’s Arne Slot and Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, was among the most targeted Premier League managers.
“It’s normal in any profession when you are exposed to it,” Amorim said.
“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 of me being healthy.
“My feeling as a coach is enough. I don’t need other feelings. The only way – there is no other way, is to protect myself.”
The investigation, conducted with data science company Signify, analysed posts made during 10 Premier League matches and six WSL fixtures on 8 and 9 November.
It documented racist slurs, homophobia and threats of violence, with managers receiving more abuse than players.
X (formerly Twitter) accounted for 82% of the abusive posts, while 61% were traced to accounts in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Data indicates the trend is rising.
“Not worth the money”
Amorim admitted that avoiding social media comes at a financial cost.
“I lose money from sponsors,” he said. “On Instagram I could earn a lot of money, but for my protection, for my family and living a normal life, it is not worth some more dollars or pounds. Nobody can be tougher than me when we lose and when we don’t play well.”
“Nowadays, it’s really normal to have that abuse, so it’s the only way to survive in this world.”
United’s ongoing struggles
Manchester United finished 15th last season, their lowest league position since the 1973-74 relegation campaign, and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham, missing out on European qualification.
This season has offered little respite: United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town and sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of Thursday’s match against West Ham.