Christian Pulisic is pushing for a new contract at San Siro, less than two months into a season he started as a frustrated spectator.
The 28-year-old, back from the summer’s World Cup and the microfractures he carried out of it, sat on the bench for Milan’s opening three Serie A matches before Amorim turned to him. He has not pretended otherwise.
“The start of the season was a bit strange for me, obviously, I always want to play,” Pulisic told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s not that I’m really angry… but I always want to play.”
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‘A great relationship so far’
The verdict on his new manager, delivered in the same interview, was warmer.
“The first months have been good, working with him, getting to know his system and how we’re going to play,” Pulisic said.
“I have a great relationship with him so far and yeah, I’m just enjoying the time.”
Amorim had already set out his position in September, when questions about Pulisic’s absence grew harder to deflect. The Portuguese coach made clear that reputation would not open the team sheet.
“I will never pick my starting lineup based on big names. These are my principles and won’t change,” Amorim said.
He also conceded that Pulisic “is not happy because he didn’t play so far” and insisted the American remained “very important” to the project, promising minutes once the schedule tightened. Pulisic has since returned to the side in a draw with Lazio and scored against Lecce, ending a league drought that stretched back to December.
A different brief from Old Trafford
Milan is where Amorim gets a second shot at a top job. The 41-year-old was dismissed by Manchester United in January after 63 matches, with Sky Sports News citing an “emotional and inconsistent behaviour” and a refusal to move away from his 3-4-3 system as factors in the exit.
Milan appointed him on a three-year deal on 16 June 2026, replacing Massimiliano Allegri.
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“There are ambitions that stay with you throughout your career, and coaching AC Milan has always been one of mine,” Amorim said on arrival.
‘I want to stay’
The early returns in Serie A, if not in Europe, have been encouraging. Milan sits fifth, two points behind leaders Roma, unbeaten domestically after an opening Europa League defeat to Benfica. Pulisic, in the final year of his current deal, is in no hurry to leave.
“I can only say that I am very happy at Milan right now and for the near future as well,” he said.
“I’m not thinking about the contract renewal but I am very happy here, I want to stay at Milan.”
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Milan travel to Sassuolo on Sunday, 11 October, with Amorim’s reshaped side chasing a sixth league match unbeaten.
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