independent.co.uk

Ruben Amorim accepts he and his Man Utd squad are currently ‘underperforming’

The British billionaire took charge of footballing operations at United in February last year.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has defended his players (Bradley Collyer/PA)open image in gallery

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has defended his players (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim accepted he and his squad were currently “underperforming” after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had said some of the club’s players were “not good enough” and “some probably are overpaid”.

The British billionaire, who took charge of footballing operations at United in February last year, referenced Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Casemiro, plus Jadon Sancho and Antony – who are both on loan – as he spoke about players “that we didn’t buy in” during a wide-ranging interview with the BBC.

Speaking at a press conference, Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman was sacked in October, said: “If we are being honest in this moment, everybody, me, all the players, we are underperforming this season, so we can always change that – and I include myself in that part of underperforming.

“And you are talking about players like Casemiro, for example, that won everything – and we know that these kind of players can play so much better, so that is the focus.

“He (Radcliffe) was honest on that, so the focus is to change his mind and to change all the people’s minds.”

United – currently 14th in the Premier League – face Real Sociedad in the Europa League round-of-16 second leg at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with the tie poised at 1-1.

Read full news in source page