KUALA LUMPUR: Ruben Amorim may have a stoic persona on the touchline, but off it, especially in press conferences, the Manchester United manager is honest, direct, and even cheekily humorous.

While the Manchester United vs Asean All-Stars press conference was under way at the W Hotel here yesterday, an unexpected alarm rang, cutting through the room and prompting a moment of laughter.

“I am sorry, that is from my phone. It is an alarm system from my house and I guess my kids are doing something. I always keep an eye on them even if I am away,” he quipped with a smile.

“I usually silence my phone, but this time I forgot. I guess I got everyone laughing and smiling.”

Behind the smiles, though, Amorim was clear – the Red Devils’ South-East Asian tour is not just a promotional visit, but a vital phase of his rebuilding project at Old Trafford.

“Football is improving in every part of the globe. I have a member of my staff, Emanuel (Ferro) who worked in Malaysia for 10 years and even assisted one of the clubs in the city (Kuala Lumpur), and he’s told me a lot. It’s going to get better.”

Amorim, who took the United job with a vision of long-term transformation, is using this trip not just to win fans over but to further shape his squad, particularly the younger players who are beginning to knock on the first team’s door.

“The choice here, of course, during these six months – we use training to bring players into different positions. It’s a good opportunity,” he said.

Practice makes perfect: Manchester United players training at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

“I was surprised with Ayden (Heaven). Every time he played, he showed he is first-team material.”

And while United fans constantly debate lofty targets for the coming season, Amorim kept his focus sharp and grounded.

“The target for next season? I won’t tell you,” he said, smiling.

“The most important target is to win the first game. When you are at United, people expect you to be on top. But I don’t want to think of big targets. Win the first game, and then be consistent after that. Build that core we need.”

With the club set to miss out on European football, Amorim views that as a hidden blessing.

“It’s a good thing to take advantage of not having European games. Omar (Berrada) is here – he can explain better. But we always prepare with two plans – one with Champions League, and another without it,” he said.

“Without it, we can prepare better. A smaller squad, more time to train, and a big plan to improve the academy. That is the future.”

Even in a challenging season, Amorim was taken aback by the unwavering global support United continue to command.

“It is amazing to see – even in a difficult season – how many fans this club have. It is a pleasure to see these fans and have that connection. That thing makes the club the best in the world,” he said.

“I see it in every game. We have a responsibility. Our fans are watching, so it’s important. We want to respect this attention and kindness. We want to have a good performance. Any game we play, we use to improve the team.”

Amorim said after the last Premier League game, the biggest positive has been the impact on the fans at Old Trafford.

“The stadium energy, the leadership from players like Bruno Fernandes.

“Bruno is so important. You saw it in the last game – no pressure, but he still stepped up, wanted the ball, and took responsibility.”

And with the season finally behind them, Amorim is both relieved and recharged.

“What’s important is to finish the season and close that chapter. We’re not fully past it – but we’re close. One more row, one more rest, then we finish the tour,” he said.

“I’m excited and nervous to start next season. I have that feeling – it’s the beginning.”

He ended with a promise to the region and the fans – Malaysia included.

“We want the best players in the world. If I see someone with real value, no matter the region, he could be on our list. There will be space for the best players.”