'They deserved better!'- Ruben Amorim sorry after Man Utd youngsters Tyler Fredricson and Harry Amass have unhappy Old Trafford debuts as coach highlights 'biggest problem' after Wolves defeat

Centre-back Fredricson was making his first senior appearance for the Red Devils while Amass was given his first home start as the coach rotated his squad three days after United's draining 5-4 win over Lyon in extra-time to reach the Europa League semi-finals. But it was not a happy result for the youngsters as the Red Devils sunk to a 15th Premier League defeat of the season thanks to Pablo Sarabia's brilliant free-kick.

"I felt today that they deserved a better memory from their first games," Amorim told a press conference. "Tyler played really well, also Amass played really well, and they deserved better because we were the better team, we played well, created chances, but in the end one opportunity for the opponent and they score. The memories are not the best for these kids but they played well."

United drew a blank for the third time in four league games as Rasmus Hojlund missed two good chances in the second half while Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount also missed the target from promising openings. Amorim said the team's positive play had all been nothing and highlighted the need for them to be more ruthless in front of goal.

He said: "If you don't score goals you don't win games. We need to score goals. There was a time we didn't score, but we didn't create. We have a lot of chances to score, but we didn't score - that's the biggest problem for our team."

Amorim vowed to keep picking Hojlund even though the Dane has scored just one goal in his last 28 appearances for United. The Portuguese explained: "The only way I know is to work on him and show him the videos. Like you said he needs to score a goal and he won’t score if he is out [of the team] so I try to manage that during games. He needs to score, that’s all, like a striker needs. I think if you look at the games we have several players that miss big chances, not just Rasmus. Of course Rasmus the game it’s to score goals because he’s a striker but it’s a team thing. I already said that. Our team should score more goals, it’s not just Rasmus missing chances."

United have mathematically avoided relegation - something Amorim said was a realistic possibility back in December - but could still finish fourth from bottom in the Premier League as they are only two points between them in 14th and West Ham United in 17th. Their next game is away to Bournemouth on Sunday before their Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Club.