“We are a massive club, but not a massive team,” Amorim admits Manchester United struggles

• Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted his side is a “massive club, but not a massive team” after their 2-0 defeat to Arsenal
• Amorim emphasised that the team requires significant improvements, especially in work-rate and attacking efficiency, to regain its elite status
• Amorim outlined a pressing need for consistency in training and demanded high-intensity play, urging his players to “run like mad dogs”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made rounds in several social footballing circles with his candid assessment of his side ahead of their weekend clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, December 7.

Speaking after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, Amorim declared that United remain a “massive club” but fall short of being a “massive team.”

The loss marked Amorim's first defeat in his third match as United boss, with goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba leaving the Red Devils languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table after 14 games.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Amorim insisted there’s substantial work required to elevate United back to elite status, 

“We have some good things, but you can feel that there is so much to do,” he said. 

The manager also highlighted the team’s struggles in the attacking third and emphasised the need for greater belief and cohesion, particularly when converting chances.

Amorim also addressed fan expectations, urging supporters to recognise the current reality of the team, 

“Our past is the best one in the league, but that glory doesn’t change where we are now,” he stated. 

Despite the historical success that defines United, Amorim stressed that the team needs to focus on rebuilding, one small detail at a time.

A significant part of Amorim’s blueprint involves improving the team's work-rate, particularly off the ball. 

He lamented the lack of intensity, saying, 

“It’s impossible to win the Premier League without a team that doesn’t run. You can have the best players on the planet, but without running, they won’t win.” 

He called for relentless effort from his players, likening the required intensity to that of “mad dogs” chasing down every ball.

When questioned about his training methods, Amorim shared insights into his pressing philosophy, 

“They can improve. You cannot make a player faster, but you can teach them to run more in training,” he explained.

As United prepare to face Nottingham Forest, the Portuguese tactician is determined to instil a culture of discipline, and modern tactics to restore Manchester United to their former glory.

Rashford labours in vain as Amorim’s men struggle in manager’s first game

Previously, TheRadar reported that Ruben Amorim’s much-anticipated tenure as Manchester United manager began with frustration as his side settled for a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road. 

Marcus Rashford opened the scoring brilliantly within the first 90 seconds, but despite a good performance, Amorim’s men failed to score another goal, leaving them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.