Amorim reveals how Man United teammates ditched LGBTQ+ support gesture in solidarity with Mazaroui
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 01: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, looks on as he walks towards the tunnel at half-time during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Everton FC at Old Trafford on December 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Man United boss Ruben Amorim explained the reasons that prompted his players to scrap their plans to wear a pre-match jacket in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Red Devils were expected to don the Pride-themed jacket while entering the field in last weekend’s Premier League contest against Everton.
However, one player’s stance sparked a late change.
As confirmed by Amorim, Noussair Mazraoui refused to wear the jacket, citing his religious beliefs.
Therefore, the Moroccan’s teammates weren’t willing to let him take the field as the only player without the special-themed jacket on, so they preferred to ditch the plan altogether.
“I wasn’t [involved in the discussions], it was a group decision as players – as it should be – and then there’s three difficult things to manage,” said Amorim ahead of Saturday’s clash against Nottingham Forest (via The Telegraph).
“On one side it’s the club’s values and I think all can agree that’s not an issue. But then you have religion which you have to respect. It’s our values to respect other opinions. And then the third thing is the group thing: ‘I won’t leave Nous [Mazraoui] alone, we’re a team.’
Ruben Amorim explains how Man United teammates stuck by Noussair Mazraoui
“The majority of the players believe in one thing but they saw one guy alone and said: ‘Let’s be together.’
“It’s things we have to manage and respect. It’s a hard issue to address. I think we did it in a good way. This club represents … we need to respect everything but we also need to respect the religion of Nous and his culture.”
The Man United boss was asked if the team could reconsider this gesture in the future, but he suggested it could be unlikely, especially with Mazraoui at the club.
“I don’t know if Nous is going to change his religion and his beliefs, I don’t know.
“We will address at the time if it comes, but it’s a really hard decision. But there’s no doubt what this club believes and fights for.”
Mazraoui signed for Manchester United last summer, reuniting with his old Ajax manager Erik ten Hag following an underwhelming two-year spell at Bayern Munich.
The versatile full-back has now adjusted to a new role under Ruben Amorim who’s fielding him in the back-three.
