Gary Neville spots Amorim frustration as Man U boss sends subtle transfer demand

Manchester United midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have been left on the bench by Ruben Amorim in the first two games of the season and Gary Neville believes he is making a statement

Gary Neville believes Ruben Amorim has sent a subtle message to the Manchester United board that he needs a new midfielder after leaving Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo on the bench for their 1-1 draw at Fulham.

United are still waiting for their first win of the new Premier League season after Emile Smith Rowe's second half strike pegged them back following Leny Yoro's opener.

Bruno Fernandes had the chance to put the Red Devils ahead from the penalty spot in the first half after Calvin Bassey pulled down Mason Mount in the area, but the United captain ended up ballooning his effort well over.

Fernandes started in midfield alongside Casemiro, despite criticism over the former Real Madrid star's performances of late and claims that he no longer has the pace to thrive at the top level.

But Amorim appears to prefer the veteran Brazilian as one of midfield pivots, starting him in both United's first two games of the season, while Ugarte and Mainoo have been forced to accept a seat on the subs bench.

While many fans have questioned why Amorim is not giving either player more of a chance, former United defender Neville believes the manager is making a big statement about the quality of his options in the middle of the park.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "It tells you what he's thinking currently about Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, he's sending a message above to say 'get me a midfield player'".

Fellow pundit Clinton Morrison also commented on the situation, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live that Mainoo's prospects looked bleak after Ugarte was brought on from the bench, while the England man was left as an unused sub.

"Amorim loves Ugarte but you're looking at this situation thinking, "What has Mainoo got to do to get in this midfield?" Morrison said after watching the game at Craven Cottage.

United have been linked with a number of midfield targets in this summer transfer window, including Brighton star Carlos Baleba, though a move has not come to fruition.

Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand, Atalanta's Ederson and Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller have also been mentioned as options, but United are running out of time to sign a new addition before deadline day on September 1.

United have spent nearly £200m on signings in total, including £72 on Benjamin Sesko, £71m on Bryan Mbeumo and around £62.5m on Matheus Cunha - but all three players are forwards.