Manchester United manager Rubén Amorim has delivered a stark reality check to his squad, insisting the team remains "far from perfection" despite their recent resurgence in form.
Results Masking Underlying Issues
The Portuguese coach's comments come despite United enjoying their best run of the season, having gone five Premier League matches unbeaten before the international break. This impressive sequence included a stunning victory over arch-rivals Liverpool and hard-fought draws against both Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
However, Amorim remains unconvinced that his team have turned a corner, revealing he felt "frustration" rather than satisfaction after their recent performances.
"We are playing better, but we are playing better because we have more confidence, and that starts with good results, for example, against Liverpool," Amorim told Stan Sport. "We are improving, but I can share my feeling: when we finished the game against Tottenham and I was returning to Carrington, I was watching the game and my feeling was one of frustration, that we are far from perfection."
Formation Debate Dismissed
The United boss directly countered criticism of his preferred 3-4-3 formation, arguing that tactical systems are being unfairly scapegoated for deeper issues within the squad.
"The formation is the beginning of something, then there is the dynamic, the confidence, the way we play, how competitive we are," he explained. "If we look at the games where we have had problems this season, for me it hasn't been because of the formation. It was the lack of intensity."
Amorim emphasised that only maximum commitment would deliver consistent results, stating: "We have to be perfect in this league to win many games."
Ratcliffe Backing Brings Calm
The manager's tenure at Old Trafford has been under scrutiny for much of his year in charge, particularly following last season's disappointing 15th-place finish and an early Carabao Cup exit to second-tier Grimsby Town.
However, Amorim retains strong backing from influential figures within the club, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - support the manager acknowledges has changed the atmosphere around the club.
"To be honest, it doesn't change much for me, because I'm not worried about losing my job. I always have that feeling," Amorim stated. "But if you remember when Jim gave that interview, everything calmed down a lot at the club. The noise changed completely. That was really important for the team, and if it's important for the team, it's important for me."
Squad Updates and Challenges Ahead
United return from the international break sitting seventh in the Premier League, just two points adrift of Champions League qualification spots, though with no European football remaining this season.
The Red Devils face Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night, seeking to extend their unbeaten run.
In concerning news for United supporters, summer signing Benjamin Sesko suffered a knee injury during the Tottenham draw and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. The £73.7 million striker's absence adds to Amorim's selection headaches as United push for a top-four finish.
Defender Matthijs de Ligt recently echoed his manager's sentiments, telling Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that United's progression stemmed from both confidence and structure, with the Dutch international crediting his own improved form to taking greater responsibility.
