‘I’m not doing good enough’ – Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United are ‘underachieving’ in Premier League

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes criticised the Portuguese on his The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, claiming he is “not the right man” for the job.

Asked about the comments at his pre-match press conference, Amorim said: “I think it’s normal.

“It’s a fact that me, as a manager of Manchester United, I think we are underachieving. We should have more points, especially this season. So I take that naturally.

“Sometimes they don’t have all the information and see Manchester United with the standards they lived here, always winning. It’s hard for them to see their club in this situation.”

Guardiola pleased with ‘statement’ win over Palace but warns ‘many things’ still to improve

Video credit: SNTV

On whether the criticism affects his ability to perform, Amorim added: “No. Not winning is the issue.

“The problem is that me, as a manager, I’m not doing good enough. That is a fact also, and I can accept that. The only problem for them is that Manchester United is not winning and is not in the position that it’s supposed to be.

“If you are winning, there is no issue.”

Mainoo future undecided

Amorim was also asked about midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whose United future still remains uncertain.

The 20-year-old is expected to seek a loan move in January having fallen out of favour.

He remains a popular figure amongst the fans, and was given a positive reception when he was introduced as a second-half substitute in last week’s 4-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Amorim said he had not discussed the prospect of an exit for Mainoo.

“I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players, but about that subject, no, I didn’t speak with him,” he said.

“I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that. I just want my players happy.

“I understand every individual has their goals and the frustration doesn’t help anybody. I’m not going to say what I would say, but I would talk to him.

“I am completely open, that is clear. I have my ideas and that is also clear. I will not change if I don’t believe it but I’m open to speak with any player. I love that.”

Amorim did acknowledge, though, that Mainoo could yet compete with Casemiro for a role in United’s midfield.

“Yes, he can. I think it was against Everton – I took Casemiro out and I put Kobbie in there because we were trying to play a different game,” he added.

“He can play in that position. But it’s hard sometimes. Sometimes Kobbie Mainoo, you have to think (if he is) the guy for blocking transitions. He needs to spend more time there but he can be in that position in the future.”