A Manchester United star admitted that it “pinched” him the moment he realised what Ruben Amorim was demanding from his first-team players at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim has overseen a tough start to life in England as Manchester United manager after replacing Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout.
The Portuguese manager has seen a mixed set of results from the Red Devils and United have not won a match since their 2-1 comeback win against Manchester City.
Following their victory in the Manchester derby in December 2024, United have picked up one draw and lost four times in five matches across all competitions.
United suffered three consecutive defeats in the Premier League – four losses across all competitions – ahead of signing off 2024 amid their woeful season so far.
Amorim has been resilient in his approach at Old Trafford and the 39-year-old Portuguese boss has stuck with his tactical system throughout the performances.
United bounced back from their 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle at Old Trafford last month with a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool on the weekend.
What did Amorim demand from Man Utd players?
Manchester United’s result at Anfield against Liverpool on Sunday evening moved the Red Devils to 13th place in the Premier League table.
Ruben Amorim’s men are seven points clear of the relegation zone and the Red Devils are now 13 points adrift from the top four with 18 league matches remaining.
Speaking ahead of the Liverpool match, United manager Amorim was asked about the future of Red Devils defender Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
Harry Maguire was out of contract in the summer before United triggered his extension, with the England international now under contract until 2026.
Amorim revealed that United would trigger the 31-year-old centre-back’s one-year extension and revealed that the Red Devils were “starving for leaders.”
“I spoke with him this morning and I told him he has to improve his game on the pitch,” he said at his press conference last Friday.
“We need him a lot and he also has to improve as a leader.
“When you look at our team we are starving for leaders on the pitch. He is a leader. He has to improve that part and he has to improve our game. We are happy to continue with him.”
Man Utd star reacts to Amorim’s comments
Diogo Dalot delivered a superb performance for United in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool and the Red Devils star has faced criticism over his form this season.
The 25-year-old right-back, who played as a left-sided wing-back against Liverpool, admitted that Amorim’s comments about a lack of leaders made its mark on him.
When asked about Amorim’s criticism of his United squad, Diogo Dalot said after the Liverpool match (via ESPN): “It pinched me. I think that’s what he wanted for every player.
“I’ve been here for a while. I know that I can step up a little bit more as well in that level and I’m going to try to help my teammates for as long as I can. You could see that we were more of a team, that was the biggest difference.
“I think that’s what we need to build more, a proper team, fighting for the badge and then the result I think will come.”
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