Ruben Amorim has called out three Man Utd players after decision sparks uproar

Ruben Amorim must avoid the ultimate humiliation this evening when former Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford sooner than anyone expected. The Red Devils ignored calls to hand Van Nistelrooy the permanent job after he steadied the ship post-Erik ten Hag, winning three and drawing the other of his four games at the helm.

Amorim arrived and immediately informed the Dutchman his services were no longer required as he brought his coaching team over from Sporting.

He has lost seven of his first 13 matches since then, and Van Nistelrooy is suffering similar woes as the manager of Leicester City.

When the Foxes descend on M16 in the FA Cup fourth round, the hosts must improve their recent rut on home turf to seal safe passage into the last 16.

A source of Amorim’s early crisis has been the lack of goals in his team, a problem that has worsened via Marcus Rashford’s January loan to Aston Villa.

But while the United boss admits his decision to wait until the summer to recruit a replacement was a “risk”, he has called out three players to step up and improve their scoring records in the coming months.

“We have to find players to play in the different positions,” Amorim explained in his press conference on Friday.

“We can say in the way we play, with Dorgu, we have one more winger to play on both sides. Of course, it’s going to take time, so it’s not going to solve all the problems.

“We have to improve. We create chances; we don’t score. We have many shots inside the box, and we catch [hit] with always one player, so I think we can improve on these small things.

“I think Amad can score more, Bruno [Fernandes] can score more, even Kobbie Mainoo can score more, playing in that position a little bit further on the pitch.

“So, we have to improve as a team. We have a little bit more time. Let’s see at the end of the season.”

Amorim also admitted that he was “thankful” the Rashford saga had ended after fielding relentless questions about the exiled No. 10 over the last two months.

He will undoubtedly hear Rashford’s name again if he explodes at Villa Park, and especially if his forwards simultaneously continue to misfire.

But perhaps the 40-year-old’s show of faith in Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad will inspire a spike in attacking output.

Amorim will view victory against Premier League strugglers Leicester as a non-negotiable as he clings to the faint hope of first-season silverware at Old Trafford.

Another shock home defeat would plummet the mood at United to new depths and undo his side’s memorable efforts to knock Arsenal out in the previous round.