Ruben Amorim has blamed Manchester United's failure to create enough big chances this season on the 'quality' of his players.
Man United were largely ineffective going forward as they were booted out of the FA Cup by Fulham on Sunday, suffering yet another damning loss at Old Trafford.
Their only goal came through skipper and sole creative source Bruno Fernandes, who looked to have bailed his side out yet again with a clever second-half equaliser.
However, after failing to find a winner in extra time, United couldn't get the job done from the spot as Bernd Leno stole the show to guide Fulham to victory on penalties.
Amorim was asked post-match why his team have struggled to create meaningful opportunities this term, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee underwhelming up front.
'I think it's sometimes the quality of the players,' he said.
'Bruno, also Casemiro, Josh is improving a lot the connection, he's fighting for every ball, he's running all the pitch so it's the quality of the players that help us to create more chances.'
While lamenting the current level of his players, Amorim's comments indicated an optimism that things are slowly getting better at Old Trafford, even if the results don't reflect that.
Today's result nevertheless acted as a gut-wrenching blow to United's already torrid season, with FA Cup elimination making it one less competition Amorim can find joy from in his first year.
United's hopes of winning any silverware this season now rest on the Europa League, with a last 16 tie against Real Sociedad on the very near horizon.
But even amid the misery, Amorim is keeping his focus on the bigger picture as he dreams of returning United to the pinnacle of English football - something that's not been seen since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure.
'The goal is to win the Premier League,' he said. 'I know that we are losing games and losing trophies during this season but the goal is to win the Premier League.
'I don't know how long it's going to take. If you think like that, we can suffer a little bit in these defeats, a lot sometimes, but we have a goal so no matter what you continue forward.'
Australia7853904
0
We need less talk about being defeated. If Amorim can’t train our players then it’s about time he disappeared and get someone with a more positive training record. What we need is someone that stops dreaming and starts training our players to win. Dreamers are ten a penny
Australia7853904
0
Yes he sounds like a Trainer who is DEFEATED. Training the Best Team in the world is to hard for Amorim
Australia7853904
0
So Is Amorim saying he can’t Train our players by saying they haven’t got the quality to win because all our ones was good players are out on loan playing well for other Teams
Gberto
0
Man United shouldn't have signed Amorim in the first place
Rezailu
1
Amorim lacks quality in all areas. Insisting on playing that formation has not helped his course, however that’s his decision. He along with his entourage should be sacked.
Bocbenou
0
Sell
zutbklnsuy
1
Casemiro should look into the mirror & ask himself is he worth 375k a week wages. With yesterday performance of his, no club will pay him even 100k a week. He was so awful in loosing the ball at every instance. Yesterday we were pressing high only our lacking in finishing in final third could have been better. Onana is a curse for United. Under Bayindir we had not lost lost so many games. Injuries to Collyer, Bayindir & Mainoo could not come at right time. Obi is a gem, an unfinished product. Heaven too is good prospect. Garnacho finishing skill is lacking confidence. He is only good for a super sub. Zirkzee was everywhere, he just need to control his feet movement better. Hojlund will want a more robust performance. Bruno as usual was good. Nevertheless a good show, only to bow out on penalty will hurt United badly
OneLove⚽️
0
Amorim also lacks quality as a MANAGER in EPL☝🏼💯
Bokcelmopt
1
Onana and Hajilland out.
Bokcelmopt
1
Bokcelmopt
1
kukdknoyz
0
Read this warning: KEEP CALM AND STOP WASTING MONEY ON QUANTITY. Time to sell players.
im_ahmerd
0
One of the greatest responsibilities of a good parents is to protect their children from supporting Manchester united 😂💔
im_ahmerd
1
Men team are waiyOne of the greatest responsibilities of a good parents is to protect their children from supporting Manchester united 😂💔
teddyj007
0
Man UTD really don’t listen at all… Just take Onana and Maguire out of your team… They are just the bad luck
Niccdortu
3
Without a full season nobody can judge Amorim fairly! That said tje financial situation of the club should also not hinder tje rebuilding process where the team ends up settling for players they don't need just because the ones they want are beyond tje club's budget.
Lazaknpsy
3
our strikers are useless. get Delap
suoacilnot
2
Can't blame Amorim at all
JonathanUwakwe
2
After your summer signing, I'll judge your performance by next season. This season isn't your fault at all, just try your best possible.