Manchester United: Ruben Amorim says he has ‘not been good enough’ after recent criticism

Amorim cited the standards of some of the young players he had to use last season as evidence that he was working with tools that couldn’t do the job he needed.

This is still the undisputed situation.

United have deliberately chosen not to reveal details about whether Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo will be present for the match against Bournemouth due to uncertainty surrounding their release for Africa Cup of Nations duty.

However, with Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire currently sidelined through injury, it looks likely that 20-year-old Leny Yoro and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven will be part of a three-man defense in the next few weeks, which is not ideal given their inexperience.

But sympathy for Amorim is limited by his use of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season, and was given a rapturous welcome by United’s traveling fans during the 4-1 win at Wolves.

Mainoo wants to leave United on loan next month in a bid to get more regular football.

Amorim was not keen on this plan in the summer, when the 20-year-old footballer signed a contract with Serie A champions Napoli.

He refuses to say what his response would be if a similar request was made before the January window closes, but he would welcome Mainoo to call him for a chat.

“I’ve had some conversations with him, especially last year and with other players, but about this, no, I haven’t talked to him,” Amorim said.

“I would really appreciate it if Kobbie came to talk to me about this. I just want my players to be happy.

“I understand that each individual has their own goals and disappointment does no one any good.

“I won’t say what to say, but I will talk to him.

“I’m completely open, that’s open. I have my ideas and that’s open too. If I don’t believe it, I won’t change, but I’m open to talking to every player. I love that.”