Ruben Amorim confident Man Utd 'improving' as he bids to lift Old Trafford spirits

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is hoping to deliver an early festive gift to the fans by bouncing back with a win against Bournemouth at Old Trafford this Sunday.

After a gruelling string of games on the road following their surprising 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 7, United are eager to return home.

Despite claiming victories at Viktoria Plzen and besting Manchester City, Amorim’s side faced a setback after their Carabao Cup quarter-final loss to Tottenham with a score of 4-3.

Reflecting on the experience, Amorim revealed: “Yeah, it was really hard the Nottingham game, to lose that game in the way we lost.

“I am always looking forward to hear that song and to play with our fans and to try to put some happiness in their lives because (Thursday) was really tough for sure for them.”

Despite the tension during the match against Spurs, Amorim praised his team’s resilience.

Injury concerns continue as Victor Lindelof joins Mason Mount and Luke Shaw out of action, though Marcus Rashford may return having missed the last two games due to selection issues.

Since stepping into Erik ten Hag’s shoes, Amorim has seen a mixed bag of results – three wins, one draw and three losses – but remains optimistic about his squad’s potential.

Amorim has recognised the progress in his squad’s attacking play, remarking after the Tottenham clash: “I think we are improving near the opponent box.

“We have some games that we are near the box but without real threat. You could see different things (against Tottenham).

“You could see we can shoot, we are near the goal and you feel it, you really feel it. I think it is a good thing in our team.

“I feel that our team is faster at pressing more, the physically is improving and the understanding of the game.

“You can see it by the controlling of the game and you see it more especially in this game, but also the last game that we understand more the position and the movement we should do.

“There is a lot of things, but it is hard to think of the good things because we are out and let’s focus on the next competition.”

On Antony’s performance, Amorim offered a candid assessment of the Brazilian’s confidence levels: “He needs more confidence. If you remember the Antony that play in Ajax, he lacks a little bit of confidence to go one against one, but he will improve.

“He is working really hard and trying and playing more inside than outside, especially in this game. He just has to do that. To work really hard and I will help him to be a better player.”