"None of this squad would get into Arsenal, City or Liverpool's" - Ex-Manchester United star sends warning to squad ahead of Amorim arrival
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has issued a warning to the club’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim. He believes that none of United’s current players would make the cut for Arsenal, Manchester City, or Liverpool’s squads.
Manchester United have had a poor start to the season, currently sitting 13th in the Premier League with only three wins from their first 10 games. Their struggles extend to the Europa League, where they are yet to secure a victory in their opening three matches are 21st in the table.
These disappointing results led to Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, with Amorim set to take over on November 11. However, Nicky Butt, a six-time Premier League champion with United, believes the Portuguese manager faces a tough challenge given the current squad’s quality.
"None of this squad would get into Arsenal, City or Liverpool’s! It kills me to say it. I’ve been a Manchester United fan since the age of six," Butt said (via TalkSport) .
Butt also noted that, given their performance levels over the past two years, United players, who have struggled this season, should feel ‘nervous’ about their positions at the club.
“I think regardless of the decade we’re in at Man United, every player should be under the impression that someone can come and take your place at any time. I think that’s what big football clubs are like no matter who you are. Everyone should be nervous about what’s going to happen over the next nine to 12 months,” he added (via The Peoples Person)
The Red Devils have two crucial games before the international break. They will face Greek side PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday, November 7, followed by a clash against Leicester City on Sunday, November 10. Ruud Van Nistelrooy will remain in charge as an interim manager for these two games before Amorim assumes the permanent role.
New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim downplays win over Manchester City
Sporting CP’s 4-1 victory over Manchester United’s rivals Manchester City would have certainly thrilled the Red Devils supporters. Victor Gyokeres’ hat-trick stunned Pep Guardiola’s men in the UEFA Champions League on November 6. It also gave United supporters hope for positive signs under their new manager.
Despite the significant result, Amorim was quick to temper expectations, noting that he cannot immediately replicate such performances at United. He also described the victory over City as a “one-off” and offered a cautious message to the supporters.
“I already said previously you cannot transport one reality into another,” he said. At Manchester United you cannot play exactly like this. You cannot play so defensively and so there we will have to adapt. People can make their own judgements but I say to the people of Manchester that this was a one-off,” he said (via BBC).
Nevertheless, a fresh set of ideas is set to be introduced at Manchester United once again. Supporters will hope that Amorim will be the one to guide the club back to its glory days.