'You have to be like a monk!' - Ruben Amorim gives his Man Utd players some novel advice on how to deal with criticism after Altay Bayindir blunder in opening day defeat to Arsenal

United fell to a narrow opening day defeat to Arsenal last weekend, with goalkeeper Bayindir's error proving the difference at Old Trafford. Following the fallout from that blunder, head coach Amorim has spoken about how he protects his players when they come under fire.

He told Sky Sports News: "The first thing I've already said to my players is when you see so many critics, you get upset and that is normal. For me, the only way to protect myself and my players it to tell them not to see anything. You have to be like a monk, especially when you have problems, and then I try to present the facts because sometimes there is a narrative that is not true. Altay made one mistake, but last year he had very good performances, so I try to tell that to the players and then try to battle that narrative. But in the end, it's with the players, they have to enjoy their life, go to work, enjoy their family, and try not to see anything on the TV or on the internet."

Amorim has repeatedly spoken about the positives that came out from his side's 1-0 loss, and by defending his players, that is likely to help them develop a tighter bond and back his methods. But a club of United's size needs results and fast, or else the pressure will mount on the Portuguese and his team.

Former Sporting CP boss Amorim will hope his side can bounce back from their Arsenal loss when they travel to Fulham, who drew their season opener away at Brighton, in their next Premier League encounter on Sunday afternoon.