Ruben Amorim: Man Utd boss says his team must 'run like mad dogs' if they want to win the Premier League | Football news

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has claimed his side are “a massive club but not a massive team” and highlighted their work rate off the ball as an area that needs improvement.

United recorded two wins in Amorim's first three matches in charge – against Bodo/Glimt and Everton – but suffered their first defeat under the new boss against Arsenal in midweek.

Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba gave Mikel Arteta's side a 2-0 victory, with United now slipping into the bottom half of the Premier League table ahead of their next match against Nottingham Forest, live on Sky Sports, Saturday (kick-off at 5:30 p.m.).

Ahead of the match, Amorim spoke openly about the issues plaguing his team and how much work remains to be done before United can once again compete as one of the heavyweights of world football.

He said: “It's very clear. We are a huge club, but we are not a huge team. We know that, so it's not a problem to say it. We need to believe in it more.

“We have good things, but we feel there is so much to do. We need to be better in the final third.”

Saturday December 7 at 5:00 p.m.

Kick-off at 5:30 p.m.

When asked if fans will have to moderate their expectations in the near future, Amorim replied: “It will not change because of the glory of the past.

“Our players have to understand that it's a difficult position. We are not the best team in the league, but our background is the best in the league.

“We have a problem, but we need to focus on the small details.”

Amorim: You can't go faster but you can run more

One small detail he is determined to work on is the physical fitness of his players.

United rank in the bottom six in the Premier League for average distance covered and Amorim has now made it his mission to improve his work rate off the ball via the training pitch.

“You can’t win the Premier League without a team that doesn’t run,” Amorim continued.

“You can make a starting team with the best players on the planet, without running, they won't win either. We have to run like mad dogs, otherwise we won't win.

“The problem is can they cope with it? If they are used to it in training, they will do it in matches.

“They can improve. You can't be faster, but you can run more in training. They are professional athletes. Every coach has a different pressing method.”

Get closer to your favorite eleven

The former Sporting boss has made a total of nine changes to his three Premier League lineups but says he is getting closer to discovering his preferred starting XI.

“More or less, yes,” he said. “We have an idea. We have problems with players returning and we have to manage the load.

“Bruno Fernandes, you felt at Arsenal that he was a little tired but you know he will recover. We are getting to know the players but we are getting closer, yes.”