'We need time' - Ruben Amorim insists Manchester United aren't ready for European games

United could only finish 15th in the Premier League last season in what was an incredibly disappointing campaign for the Red Devils. They started poorly under former boss Erik ten Hag and things didn't improve much as Amorim tried to balance achieving results with implementing his own unique style of play.

The Premier League giants did have a chance to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the campaign but were beaten by Tottenham in the Europa League final, meaning they won't feature in any continental games this term for the first time since 2014-15. However, Amorim believes his team need more time to adapt to his methods, adding that matches against strong teams from Europe would not be good for their development at this moment in time.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Amorim told reporters: "We have three games this week and we have quality players and we need to do rotation to try to win every game. It is a normal thing that happens in other clubs [to have no European football]. 

"We were not prepared to play in Europe. That is my feeling, to have strong games in Europe and play in the Premier League. We need time to develop as a team. They just need to fight for the places. Then everything can change."

Due to last season's struggles, United enter the Carabao Cup earlier than usual this season. They take on League Two side Grimsby Town on Wednesday night, with the minnows in good spirits after starting the campaign with a five-match unbeaten streak.