Amorim cautiously optimistic for Man Utd's season

One of the most fascinating elements of my extended chat with Ruben Amorim in the United States this summer was his admission that he set off for games last season fearing Manchester United would struggle.

Given Amorim has promised United fans his side's performances and results will be better this season – admittedly they could hardly be worse – I was intrigued to know his feelings ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford encounter with Arsenal.

It was not an unqualified response. Amorim could have said it will definitely be better - but he didn't.

He also referred to "four weeks" as the time he has had to work with his squad, when it is actually six – for the majority.

But overall Amorim gave the impression of someone who is in a far better place when it comes to managing his group of players than he was during his tortuous bedding-in process.

"It is hard to know because we cannot change everything in four weeks but we are better," he said. "I know that we are training harder, are training better and are more prepared to cope with the demands of the game.

"Step by step we are going to be a better team. I am more confident."