Ruben Amorim acknowledged Manchester United’s recent displays have invited criticism but told vocal former players they do not fully appreciate the current context at Old Trafford. He also pointed to the club’s recent run of results as the central concern.

The manager, who has been in charge for 13 months, has won 24 of his 58 games at the club. Amorim noted the contrast between present expectations and the memories held by ex-players from United’s most successful periods, a group whose combined haul of Premier League titles totals 39.

On the criticism he faces, Amorim said: “I think it’s normal,” Amorim said. “I think it’s a fact that me, as a manager of Manchester United, I think we are underachieving. We should have more points, especially this season. So I take that naturally.

“Sometimes they don’t have all the information and they see Manchester United with the standards that they lived here, always winning. So it’s hard for them to see their club in this situation.”

Throughout his 13 months at the helm, Amorim has coped with persistent debate over his 3-4-2-1 system and the manager’s handling of squad selection. One recent flashpoint has been his limited use of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who remains the last academy graduate in the first-team squad.

Amorim has argued results would mute much of the criticism. “I think not winning is the issue,” Amorim claimed. “Of course you can point to a lot of things and they point to a lot of things that we need to improve, but the big issue is not winning. If I’m winning I can go to the games on a horse, arrive there, playing with just two defenders and everything will be fine.

“The problem is that, me as a manager, I’m not doing good enough and that is a fact also and I can accept that. So that is the only problem. For them it’s that Manchester United is not winning and is not in the position that it’s supposed to be.”

Amorim’s side prepare to face Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday. A victory could see United finish the gameweek in fifth, while a draw would lift them above Liverpool into sixth.

Manchester United are reported to be in discussions with Wrexham about a potential repeat of the sides’ dramatic friendly next summer. The previous meeting ended 3–1 to Wrexham and included a serious injury to striker Paul Mullin, who suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs following a challenge from young goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, who would leave United just weeks later.

According to the Daily Mail, United are interested in arranging another fixture with the Championship outfit. The proposed match is expected to be one of two friendlies during the Red Devils’ planned trip to Scandinavia, rather than the United States where the earlier meeting took place.

Club officials are debating how the 2026 World Cup might affect summer demand. Some believe the tournament will boost interest in matches that summer, while others fear fans will be fatigued by the time United begin friendlies. Ticket sales are central to that decision and reduced demand would likely prompt a different approach, given the significant logistical upheaval of a trip to the United States.

For Wrexham, the proposed friendly would provide a celebration following their first season back in the Championship. The Red Dragons had been among the title favourites during their time in the lower divisions but have since found themselves in a genuine battle in the second tier. The Championship is described as famously difficult to escape and often goes right down to the wire.

At the time the potential friendly was reported, Wrexham sit 14th in the Championship standings, four points adrift of the playoff places and 10 clear of the relegation zone. New investment from Apollo Sports Capital has been cited as a boost to the club’s long-term aim of reaching the Premier League and, potentially, meeting United at the top level.

Napoli have not dismissed the possibility of pursuing Kobbie Mainoo on loan as the Manchester United midfielder seeks regular playing time. Mainoo has struggled for minutes under Ruben Amorim and is reported to favour a temporary move abroad when the January transfer window opens, with links to Napoli and Bayern Munich.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna spoke to Sky Sport Italia about the club’s potential involvement, suggesting any approach would be evaluated. “He is a player who has been linked to Napoli since August, also for his age, his potential, and the transfer opportunity,” Manna said. “This team is doing well, it is consolidated. We have some important absences right now, but sooner or later the lads will return, strong and determined. We have to make the right evaluations, so we’ll see how things progress along the way.”

The interest is framed by recent business between the two clubs. Napoli have taken Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United in the past couple of years, moves that the Italian club will be conscious of as they weigh any further activity.

Reports in the Daily Mail indicate Mainoo has chosen Napoli as his preferred destination and that “at least 12 clubs” could show interest if Manchester United permit a loan. The player was thought to have been keen on a move to Naples over the summer as well. Any transfer is likely to depend on United’s willingness to engage and whether the club requires a replacement first. It has also been suggested a decision on Mainoo might be delayed until after Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mainoo’s limited appearances this season have prompted questions whenever Amorim has faced the media. On the topic, the United boss said: “I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch,” reinforcing that selection is based on performance and team needs.