‘It’s bad’ – Ruben Amorim delivers ‘honest’ assessment of Man Utd but claims to have ‘future’ transfer vision

Since taking over from Erik ten Hag in November, Amorim has struggled to turn United’s fortunes around, raising doubts over his long-term future at Old Trafford. The club are struggling in the 15th position on the league table and have won just one game in their last five outings across all competitions. As the Red Devils gear up to face rivals Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, the Portuguese coach gave an honest assessment of his team.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, the 40-year-old said: "In terms of the results, it's bad. Also, the performances are not improving a lot, to be honest. But the good thing is that we are learning a lot. We are changing a lot of things, but you cannot see it. Here in Carrington, the way we want to do things. I'm understanding the players and doing, in my head, what is the future of the squad.

"And that can be really important next year, but there is also a risk, when you are planning and doing and thinking to the future, you have to pay attention to the present. And the present is really hard in the moment because the results and the performances are not there."

When further quizzed on the positive aspects of his team, Amorim added: "In the small things in our game, I see improvement. It's hard to see but I see it. I think we are improving in the last two games [before Real Sociedad], for example, the way we have possession. Our central defenders are playing in a different way, more confident.

"And, if they play well, our team will play better. I think some players are improving individually. Josh, I think is improving, in changing, a little bit, the position. We are trying to find a better space for Bruno, but sometimes you want him, yes, everywhere as he's really important for us. Even against Ipswich, we suffered a goal and we continued to play the same way and I feel, in these small details, I feel that the team believes a little bit more. The rest, I think, it is hard to see things in this season. It's more here in Carrington, the way we are training, the intensity, and we are trying to find a way to improve the team."

After facing the Gunners at home on Sunday, Amorim's men will next face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 fixture on March 13.