Matchgoers' support of five Manchester United players speaks volumes about the rest of the squad

"We need to be really strong in the summer and be brave," Ruben Amorim stressed. It would take a brave man not to gut this maligned Manchester United squad.

United's 16th position in the Premier League and 17 defeats are unforgivable, regardless of their Europa League progress. The truest gauge of a team is their league form and United's has not been this appalling since people wore flares and listened to Slade.

Amorim merits backing but, irrespective of whether United return from Bilbao with a new attraction for the club museum, the scrutiny on his position will be intense before each of those first three autumnal international breaks in the first third of next season.

He admitted on Sunday that if the complacent culture continues to linger next season he should be sacked. Amorim has the matchgoers onside, so much so his name is chanted more regularly than any of the players.

United supporters are often dignified in expressing their disapproval. It took a 4-1 humbling by Watford for them to specifically boo Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Vicarage Road. In front of the Sir Elton John Stand, Solskjaer was barely still standing.

Separating the head coach from the players signals a vote of confidence for Amorim and a vote of no confidence for the majority of players. Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro are in the good books. All four have been serenaded recently. Amad is a firm fan favourite.

Amad and Fernandes renewed their contracts in the last year, Maguire had his extended until 2026 and Yoro only arrived in July. Casemiro's Europa League pedigree has endeared him to supporters who appreciate his commitment and gutsiness after 18 months in decline.

The purported poster boys of the new United, Alejandro