´Underperforming´ Man Utd can ´change Ratcliffe´s mind´, says Amorim

Ruben Amorim said it is up to him and his Manchester United players to change Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s opinion after his scathing assessment of the Red Devils’ current squad.

Ratcliffe, who assumed control of football operations at Old Trafford 12 months ago, has struggled to see any semblance of a positive return on his investment during his tenure.

In an interview with BBC Sport earlier this week, Ratcliffe said that some players in United’s squad were “not good enough” and “overpaid”, though he did not specify which players.

At a separate point in the interview, he did namecheck Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Antony and Jadon Sancho as transfer deals that Ineos had “inherited” at the club and are yet to pay off.

Following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal last Sunday, United find themselves in 14th in the Premier League table and on course for their lowest finish in the top-flight.

Thursday’s Europa League tie against Real Sociedad is delicately poised at 1-1 but Amorim insists he is comfortable with Ratcliffe offering up his opinions in such a public fashion.

When asked about Ratcliffe’s comments, Amorim said: “I think if we are being honest in this moment, everybody – me, the players – are underperforming this season.

“I include myself in the underperforming. You are talking about players like Casemiro that won everything and we know these players can play so much better.

“He (Ratcliffe) was honest in that. The focus is to change his mind and everybody’s.”

United’s sole hopes of silverware rest on their Europa League campaign, with LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad the visitors to Old Trafford on Thursday.

The Red Devils’ only home defeat across their last 28 Europa League matches at Old Trafford (W21 D6) was against Sociedad back in September 2022.

In the knockout stages of the competition, however, United are unbeaten in 15 (W10 D5) since losing 3-2 to Marcelo Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao in March 2012.

But if they are to progress, Amorim will be without Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire, but he has welcomed back midfielder Manuel Ugarte into his ranks.

Mason Mount returned to training on Wednesday, but this game comes too soon, with the 26-year-old recovering from a thigh injury and hasn’t played since December 15.

“It is too soon for Mason Mount. Leny Yoro is out, Harry Maguire cannot play this one, but I hope to have him for Sunday. Manuel Ugarte is in the squad,” Amorim added.