Ruben Amorim has made Pervis Estupiñán's situation at AC Milan his own. After the 3-2 win over Atalanta last Sunday, he publicly defended the left-back, said he blocked late-window interest and asked supporters to give the player time.
Amorim's public defence
Speaking to A Bola, Amorim said: "It also happens at other clubs that, sometimes, the fans do not like certain players very much." He then added: "At the end of the window we had a list of clubs that wanted him. But I said no. So I want the fans to know that it was my responsibility."
He also said: "We have to help him. We have to help the fans understand who Estupiñán is," which is the clearest sign that Milan are treating the debate as a club issue rather than just a problem for one player.
Estupiñán's start and the summer interest
The left-back has started five of the seven Serie A rounds and has made seven league appearances, totalling 342 minutes. He also carries a 6.58 rating this season, which sits in the middle ground between a strong start and a collapse.
That fits with the wider view around him. The recent ratings run of 6.35, 6.37, 6.9, 6.5 and 5.87 points to an uneven spell, not a player who has been frozen out. Milan paid around €18 to €20 million for him, and Aston Villa were among the clubs tracking him before Amorim shut the door.
Villa had wanted to reunite Unai Emery with Estupiñán after Lucas Digne's departure, but turned to Ruggeri after the move was blocked. That leaves Milan with a defender who has been used regularly, a coach who has owned the decision, and a fanbase that Amorim is clearly trying to bring with him.
The pressure now sits with the next few league games, because Amorim has already drawn a line under the summer and tied himself to the player. Estupiñán's next appearance will come with that backing still fresh.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
