Ruben Amorim aware of ‘consequences’ if Manchester United’s poor form continues

Ruben Amorim remains convinced he is the man to turn Manchester United around but knows there are “consequences” for poor form as he leads his misfiring, absentee-hit side to Real Sociedad.

Erik ten Hag’s successor has endured more downs than ups since taking over in November, with the Red Devils languishing 14th in the Premier League and exiting the FA Cup at home to Fulham on Sunday.

United will look to bounce back when they face Real Sociedad on Thursday, but they headed to Spain with just an 18-man squad and under increased pressure to progress through the Europa League.

The competition is now their only route to silverware, and realistically European qualification, and falling on the road to May’s Bilbao final could damage a rebuild that has started unconvincingly.

Amorim has even mentioned on a couple of occasions that United’s longer-term goals might ultimately be achieved by another manager, but he insists his self-confidence remains undimmed.

Asked ahead of the last-16 first-leg clash in Spain if he still has the belief that he can turn the club around, the head coach said: “Yes.

“What I mean is that we have to think of the club as a long project and not just solve things in this moment and if we win the Europa League we’ll be in an amazing position in the next years.

“Because the problems continue here, even with Champions League, so that’s what I want to say.

“I know you guys make accounts of my season so I’m just trying to show that I don’t care and I’m really confident on the big goal of this club. That’s all. I’m trying to show the big picture to our supporters.”

See you in San Sebastian, Reds