Ruben Amorim is warning Manchester United in press conferences ahead of transfer deadline

Ruben Amorim's birthday is the day after Jose Mourinho's and there was an uncanny imitation of his mentor on Sunday evening.

To essentially say he would rather play a 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over Manchester United's star player was a homage to Mourinho in lieu of singing 'Happy Birthday' on his predecessor's 62nd.

Portuguese people are traditionally blunt and Amorim used that word last week. Us journalists and United supporters appreciate his candour. He is by far the most authentic and assertive permanent United manager since Mourinho.

Amorim is 40 today and United players have joked he will have to run the 'tunnel' in training. Ie. when players form two lines and playfully pat the recipient as they run through. Marcus Rashford may be tempted to slap, or beat, or hit Amorim.

A colleague complained a few weeks ago that Amorim was not dynamic in press conferences. In successive weeks, he has billed United as maybe the worst team in the club's history and suggested he would pick a sexagenarian ex-goalkeeper over Rashford.

Amorim's first words in the condensed Craven Cottage press room were, "First of all, I say things to you guys that I regret right away." He may have another to add to that growing list.

The vast majority of United's supporters in the Putney End will have approved. Amorim usually gives queries about Rashford short shrift but additional clarification on was overdue after he surfaced during the open training session at Carrington on Wednesday.

United were permitted to name up to 12 substitutes in the Europa League tie against Rangers. Amorim selected only nine and two were goalkeepers. There was no Rashford.

Rashford is out of the fold while United go around in circles with two strikers who should not