Manchester United

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Ruben Amorim was in clarification mood at Wednesday's news conference.

He clarified his remarks on Sunday and dismissed any suggestion they should be interpreted as a hint he is ready to quit.

He also clarified why he felt the need to step in - along with the players - to ensure the families of his staff could get to Bilbao for next week's Europa League final.

But he also inserted a true-ism.

He played in a Europa League final for Benfica in 2014.

He lost on penalties to Sevilla. He knows the experience is not one he wants to go through again.

"I will never say I was a finalist," he said. "It doesn't change anything. The feeling has to be, what a waste of time.

"My message to the players - we have to win it or it doesn't matter."

Win or bust.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking at a media day before the side's Europa League final against Tottenham on 21 May (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Amorim is unsure if players like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro will be available for the final, but they will push hard to make it "as it is a final and all the players want to play that really bad".

• On Diogo Dalot's fitness: "He is trying really hard. I don't want to risk Dalot because when you start getting one injury, second injury, it is a big thing and we can't have these kinds of problems in the squad so we will see. He is working really hard to get back in the squad."

• On him paying for staff members' families to go to the game in Bilbao: "The situation is simple. You know we have a lot things [going on], people leaving, lots of changes in staff. In this moment for our club, sometimes it is hard to know when to give, when to take, when to respect the people we are taking their jobs in certain moments to survive and rebuild. It is complicated for the club to start giving to other members of staff so it is a really hard position."

• He continued: "That situation was explained and in that moment my reaction was to help. It is not going to change my life. To help the staff to be there, comfortable and be better staff for the final. Then we talk to players and the players had same reaction, so everybody wants staff and families there. It is hard to manage things in this club, so it is a simple thing."

• On comments he made about walking away from the club: "What I'm saying is that since I arrive here, I'm always talking about standards. I can't see the team having these results in Premier League and not say nothing, not take the responsibility. I have a clear idea what to do, I understand the problems of the team. What I am saying is we need to perform. In the future we need to perform or there will be changes, that is a normal thing."

• Getting into the Champions League is "more important" than winning the trophy for Amorim because "Europa League here is not enough" and being in Europe's biggest cup competition is "the best way to help us get into the top in the next few years".

• Amorim said it is "clear" pressure will increase on him and it will be "really bad" if they do not qualify for the Champions League next year: "I don't want to use that as an excuse, and the patience of the fans and you guys next year, if we don't win, it is going to be on the limit."

Catch up on the news conference and the rest of United's media day

Image source, Getty Images

For the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.

The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.

Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.

When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.

It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.

I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.

I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United centre-backs Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Ayden Heaven sat out training a week before the make-or-break Europa League final against Tottenham.

The Red Devils travel to Chelsea on Friday for their penultimate match of a miserable Premier League season, but all eyes are on next Wednesday's showpiece in Bilbao.

Ruben Amorim could be dealing with a depleted backline against Spurs, judging by United's open training session at Carrington on Wednesday.

Heaven did individual work ahead of last week's Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao but was not seen at Wednesday's session, while Diogo Dalot did an individual session before the main group trained as he seeks to make the final.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been asnwering your questions on the upcoming transfer window.

Justin: I've been hearing discussions about Manchester United's interest in Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen. Given our recent challenges in front of goal, particularly with younger strikers, would it not be more strategic to pursue a proven talent?

Simon: The issue is who? Osimhen will cost a lot. Delap not nearly as much because he has a release clause.

If you try a player for £30m and it doesn't work out, the damage is not as great as if you spend £70m, which is why the spotlight is shining so fiercely on Rasmus Hojlund. United are not on their own in being interested in Delap.

They are also keen on Wolves' Matheus Cunha, who is not an orthodox number nine but has proved himself to be a goal threat in the Premier League. In the situation they are in, I think "local knowledge" will minimise the risk.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you to tell us how you are getting to Bilbao for the Europa League final against Tottenham.

Here are some of your travel plans:

Jan: Flying to Asturias via Brussels on Tuesday evening costing £165. Then £40 for hotel, three hour drive to Bilbao (car hire £45) then return on Thursday morning back in Manchester by lunchtime.

Paul: As a Manchester United fan in my 50s, I thought my Interrail days were long behind me… but here I am, reliving my youth by backpacking across Europe with two of my sons to get to the Europa League final in Bilbao. We're squeezing onto trains from Manchester to London, then Paris, then all the way to the Spanish border, with a taxi dash and a hire car thrown in for good measure. We'll catch the match, sleep in said hire car like true budget adventurers, then do it all in reverse.

Rob: Five regular United fans from Manchester, Oxford and Kings Lynn are getting a motorhome and driving to Bilbao. Meeting the people along the way like some Man Utd mega bus, a stupidly early Dover crossing reminiscent of the Italian Job, French motorways, rest stops, refuelling and campsites with a day in Bilbao and then coming back the next day. Going to be four days of mayhem and memories - never letting the football get in the way of a good day at the football.

Andy: Fly to Murcia for three nights. Flights cost £149 return. Means an eight hour car journey to Bilbao but four sharing the driving.

Paul: Going by coach from Old Trafford via Dover/Calais. Setting off midday Tuesday expected arrival by 15:00 Wednesday, return straight after the match.

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Ipswich's English forward Liam Delap, 22, who would be happy to move to Old Trafford this summer. (Sky Sports, external)

United have also held talks with Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo, 25, over a possible move from Bournemouth. (Talksport, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column.

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions on the transfer window.

Andy: How do Manchester United approach transfers this window, knowing that performances from the team and the manager have not been good enough, so it may require another coach at some point next season? Should they align with Ruben Amorim's tactics or look generally at gaps?

Simon: Good question. There is a strong argument for saying United's hierarchy completely messed this up last summer. They had a choice between sticking with Erik ten Hag - who who was not even certain to be in charge for the FA Cup final after the shocking 4-0 loss at Crystal Palace - or bringing someone else in. They went for Ten Hag, then backed him to the tune of £200m - as a show of support given they had kept him hanging on for weeks.

In Leny Yoro's case, it was buying for the future. With Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt, it was players who had not been near the top of their previous recruitment list.

Having done that, they sacked Ten Hag after nine games, ignored obvious alternatives such as Marco Silva and Thomas Frank, who might have been a better fit for the squad, and told Amorim he had to start work immediately, knowing he had a specific system he preferred to play.

That is a very long-winded way of saying I am not sure how they can fail to bring in players that suit Amorim. What would the point of hiring him have been otherwise? The approach has to be players who fit the system. If there is even the smallest doubt - and I am not getting the sense there is, I would stress - it would be better to sever ties this summer rather than repeat last year's cycle.

Read more from a transfer Q&A with our experts

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions on the transfer window.

Sharkyward: I believe Manchester United will need to replace Andre Onana this summer, but who would Ruben Amorim consider to be a good replacement to play his system?

Simon: I really think they hope not to be bringing in another experienced goalkeeper. Tom Heaton will leave when his contract expires in the summer and it is virtually certain Altay Bayindir will go as well. United do have some good young goalkeepers in Elyh Harrison and Hubert Graczyk but Antwerp's Senne Lammens is a name I hear quite often, so I wouldn't be surprised if United go for him.

However, at 22, with no experience of European competitions and no senior caps, it feels too much of a leap to bring him in as a first choice. However, Lammens has a lot of promise, so if he came in, Amorim could gauge for himself whether the Belgian was good enough.

Read more from a transfer Q&A with our experts

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's young players will remain in training for the next fortnight and could be drafted into Ruben Amorim's squad for the post-season trip to Asia up to the moment the plane leaves on 25 May.

United are committed to having a strong squad with them for matches in Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Club officials have confirmed, injury-permitting , even United's international players are expected to be with them despite the fact some of them have key international matches four days after returning to Manchester, with the South American contingent having World Cup qualifiers on 5 June.

However, some withdrawals are inevitable, which could offer an opportunity to players from United's Under-21 and Under-18 squads.

"Things can change with the post-season tour right up to the very last minute by nature of injuries or internationals," said Travis Binnion, United's head of player development and coaching. "That won't be completely set until the lads get on the plane.

"There is nearly two weeks until the tour. There is definitely stuff to go after and individuals have to be ready for the opportunities and take the ones that avail themselves."

Defenders Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson, plus striker Chido Obi, have all featured regularly in Amorim's recent senior squads.

Jaydan Kamason and Bendito Mantato were both on the bench for the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, when clubs are allowed to name 12 substitutes.

On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discusses the upcoming Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

Both clubs are in the bottom half of the Premier League table, with victory in the final their only route into European competition next season.

"There is so much fear running through both managers, in terms of if anything happens to key players," former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said.

"Tottenham don't have momentum, Manchester United don't have momentum. This could be one of the worst Europa League finals ever, in terms of two teams going into it who have both been utterly useless.

"For two enormous Premier League clubs, the extremes of this game - it is going to be an absolute catastrophe for the losing manager."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Atletico Madrid are set to hold talks with Manchester United over a deal for Brazil winger Antony, who is on loan at Real Betis, with Juventus and Villarreal also keen on the 25-year-old. (Football Espana), external

Manchester United's hierarchy have no immediate plans to replace Ruben Amorim as manager. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Turk
Fan writer

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"We as a club, we need to understand in this moment we have a big responsibility. We have to prepare a squad for different competitions."

Ruben Amorim, there, after Manchester United tasted their 16th Premier League defeat of the season at Brentford on 4 May.

It is that same quote that was tormenting me as I moped away from Old Trafford on Sunday.

United, now 16th, had just suffered loss No. 17, and for the first time since his arrival, the walls of my hope-fuelled strong support of Amorim trembled.

Not because of the result. United's shambolic Premier League campaign lost any importance weeks ago.

But I'd just watched Leny Yoro, arguably Amorim's best defender and a surefire Europa League final starter, limp down the tunnel.

A week after Amorim acknowledged he has a responsibility to prioritise the one competition that can save United's season, his team selection was baffling.

In hindsight, it's easy to say starting Noussair Mazraoui, Yoro, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund from the off again was the wrong call. And Amorim isn't to blame for a player's injury.

But with what's at stake in eight days' time in Bilbao, it was a ridiculous risk to take and perhaps exposed inexperience masked by his early success in Portugal.

United weren't even playing for pride. Where's the pride in finishing 13th instead of 16th… or lower?

Friday's trip to Chelsea was the moment to top up minutes to maintain sharpness in a competitive setting, not three days after an emotionally-charged semi-final.

Yoro's condition is unknown, but it's a short turnover. Amorim's selection exuded desperation for a result that would've meant very little.

A repeat of similar errors next season, combined with no improvement in results, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ruthless regime could oversee a short turnover of their own.

Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC, external

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We asked for your views on whether Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim should be given time irrespective of what happens in the Europa League final.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: A trophy win of any kind will never make up for this disastrous season. The culture and responsibility within the playing staff has to change. The only way of ensuring that, is to keep hold of Amorim and see out the changes that are required to keep the sinking ship afloat. Long term pain I'm afraid, but without it we're sunk.

James: We have changed managers too many times, hoping for a quick fix. Amorim (and the team behind him now) need to make fundamental changes and the fans have to stay behind them as they build around a new vision. Constant changing won't fix anything. The sad truth is that too many of the players are just not good enough, and Amorim inherited that situation.

Dave: Amorim must be backed in the summer. He's stuck to his guns and identified the weaknesses - not just in skill, but also mentality. He's gone halfway to getting rid of players that aren't good enough or that have poor attitudes - Rashford, Antony, Sancho - and the board needs to make sure they are gone by pre-season. Winning the Europa League will paper over the cracks, sure, but the extra revenue could let us do in one transfer window what could take two or three windows without Europe. We've heard from ownership how they've built a best-in-class leadership level, it's now up to them to show they're good enough by getting Amorim what he needs.

However, not all comments were in favour of Amorim staying as the United boss. Here are some of them:

Derek: If Amorim continues to play five defenders who rarely offer any lasting support to the midfield or to the front players, United will continue to invite the opposition to score and create too few chances. A repeat performance against Spurs will likely seal the deal on his exit.

Mark: I think he should go immediately after the final and take his staff with him. We aren't going to beat Spurs as they know how to play against us having beaten us three times this season. Our league form has dipped severely under Amorim, he's clearly not the man for the job.

Farid: A season to forget. Amorim have himself to blame for these poor results. He decided he didn't need Rashford and Antony when the team didn't have any other attacking players. Then he stuck to his 3-4-2-1 formation knowing his team are going to lose the game. He is happy to lose games, and happy to make his players scapegoats so he can get the players he wants. I don't have faith he will change things around next season. I'd say get De Zerbi from Marseille.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy was critical of Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim's comments after the loss to West Ham on Sunday.

Murphy stated that players would be helped if the manager displayed a positive front rather than being negative.

"I am not a big fan of a manager continuously and consistently talking negatively about how bad things are," Murphy said on Match of the Day 2. "I'd like to hear a bit more solution-based answers, a bit more positivity, and thinking forward.

"I am not talking unrealistically, but they've got a final to look forward to and they've potentially got a place in next season's Champions League. He's hopefully got a summer of a lot of activity in the window to bring in some of his own players and start moulding his own team.

"I always felt that if the leader of a club is putting on a nice positive front and trying to be forthright and look forward, then it helped the players, rather than constant negativity."

Watch Sunday's Match of the Day here

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You would not be blamed for double-checking the league table when learning Manchester United are fifth bottom of the Premier League.

But it is the reality.

Sunday's defeat by West Ham was perhaps not a huge surprise given United will have one eye on the Europa League final.

However, Ruben Amorim's side have been historically bad in the league this season, a fact that has not got unnoticed by the Telegraph's Luke Edwards.

"This is probably the worst Manchester United side that I can remember," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "Yet they still have the chance of winning a major trophy.

"That would then be three trophies in three years, so even when they are rubbish they still have an uncanny knack of being able to win silverware.

"The Europa League final is absolutely fascinating because it will rescue one club and it buries the loser."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

Image source, Daily Express and Star

The league table does not lie and with just two Premier League games left to play this season, Manchester United are 16th, having endured a record-breaking season for all the wrong reasons.

Enduring their joint-most home losses in a single league campaign for more than 60 years, 17 league defeats - their most in since 1973-74 - and winless in seven matches are just a few recent examples that sum up this campaign.

But would winning the Europa League be enough to keep Ruben Amorim as manager?

He has conceded he should step aside if they take their poor league form from the end of this season into the next campaign, but what do you want?

Would a trophy make up for this dismal league campaign?

Should Amorim be given time regardless?

Or would you understand him deciding to walk?

Have your say

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Man Utd and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans

Danyal: I completely understand that we won two European games with an aggregate score of six plus, and beat teams with aggression. But seriously, how can these players have such a drop from the Europa League? Regardless of being in the Europa League final, to play like that in the league is embarrassing - especially at home. If we win the Europa League, I could forget some part of the season we have had in the league. But for a club of United's stature, it is very poor. However, Ruben Amorim knows this and in his post-match interview he was clear. So there's still good signs!

Debbie: I would rather be 16th in the league and be in a final of a major competition than just fighting for pointless points in the league. We have nothing to play for and they were all worried about getting injured today. Roll on the end of the Premier League and let's win the Europa League!

Keith: This Manchester United side is so poor, but why do they seem to lack the intensity in Premier League games. They get out-fought and out-run. Pass completion is abysmal, as is their decision-making. Forgetting the obvious lack of quality in the squad, they are so weak mentally. How can you not get gee yourself up for a home game? I cannot wait for this season to be over, so the clear-out and rebuild can start properly.

West Ham fans

Tom: A good performance and hopefully will mean we can end this season on a bit of a high. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been the signing of the season in my eyes, another emphatic performance today - definitely my Hammer of the Year!

Richard: Excellent game of football, both teams playing some good stuff but West Ham were superior in both attack and defence. It was the best game West Ham have played this season!

William: A better performance, although, not much opposition. A bit late in the season, but it was nice to see some fight within the team. Time will tell if Graham Potter is right for the club.

Saad: With our best players available, we beat the second XI of a team that absent-mindedly interrupted its focused preparations for a European final to have a bit of a light warm-up kickabout with us in a meaningless fixture. How does this mean we have turned a corner? I mean, well done lads and it is better than losing from two-nil up in the final 60 seconds of a match. But breaking out the champagne?

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's five Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Southampton 0-0 Man City

• Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa

• Manchester United 0-2 West Ham

• Nottingham Forest 2-2 Leicester

• Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal