Man Utd players ‘fighting’ for jobs, says Amorim

LONDON: Ruben Amorim says he and his Manchester United players are “fighting” for their jobs in the final months of the season after a chastening campaign so far.

The Portuguese has struggled to turn around United´s fortunes since replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag in November. The club decided not to boost their forward options in the January transfer window even though Marcus Rashford and Antony left on loan, along with defender Tyrell Malacia.

The departure of homegrown forward Rashford to Aston Villa for the remainder of the season has been the standout decision made by Amorim. The 27-year-old´s deal is reported to include an option to make the move permanent and Amorim had no interest in talking any further about the England international when he faced reporters on Thursday. “We are fighting for our jobs until the summer,” he said. “So, I am just focused on these games. Thankfully about Marcus he is in Birmingham now with Unai (Emery), so you can take these questions to another coach. We are just focused on our players at the moment.”

Amorim, whose team host Ruud van Nistelrooy´s Leicester in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, admitted United had taken a risk with their transfer business, admitting it would be tough going until the end of the season.

They brought in highly rated defenders Patrick Dorgu, 20, and 18-year-old Ayden Heaven. “I think it is a moment that is hard to turn things around in just a few games,” Amorim said. “It´s going to be like that, really hard, until the end of the season. “Then we are taking that risk that you talk about, because we want a different thing in our team and different profiles, and that is my area, so it was my decision to do that.”