Amorim says how Man Utd team is improving and gives verdict on under-pressure Antony

Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United have become a faster, more aggressive pressing team since he took over as manager last month.

Amorim, who first led United in a match against Ipswich Town on November 24, has overseen a mixed start with four wins, three losses, and one draw.

Despite their elimination from the League Cup in a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Tottenham, Amorim highlighted the progress his side has made especially in their offensive play and tactical understanding.

"I think we are improving near the opponent's box," Amorim said. "We had some games where we're near the box without threat.

"You could see different things today. You can see that we can shoot. We're near the goal, and you can feel it.

"I think it's a good thing in our team. I feel that our team is faster and pressing more, the physicality is improving, the understanding of the game, and you can see it by the control of the game."

Amorim noted the team’s growing cohesion, emphasizing their development in recent matches.

"You see it more in this game but also the last game," he said. "We understand the positions and the movements we should do. We're out, let's focus on the other competition."

One player under scrutiny is Antony, who made his third start of the season against Spurs but struggled to influence the match.

The Brazilian has scored just once this term—a penalty against League One Barnsley in the League Cup's third round—and questions about his role and future at United persist.

Antony joined United for £86.3 million from Ajax in September 2022 under then-manager Erik ten Hag.

He has been used in various roles in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, including as a winger and as one of two central playmakers.

Amorim, however, has pointed to Antony’s lack of confidence as a significant issue.

"He needs more confidence," Amorim stressed. "If you remember the Antony at Ajax, he lacks a little bit of confidence to go one-v-one, so he will improve.

"But he's working really hard, he's trying, he's playing more inside than outside, especially in this game [against Tottenham]. You have to do that to work really hard, and that will help him to be a better player."

Despite the disappointment of their League Cup exit, United fans applauded the team’s spirited fightback from 3-0 down to almost leveling the tie.

The match followed last weekend’s triumph in the Manchester derby, a high point in United’s season, and supporters remain optimistic about the team's progress under Amorim.

Amorim acknowledged the importance of performing well for the fans, especially after recent setbacks.

"It was really hard to lose the Nottingham game," he admitted. "So we're always looking forward to hear that song, to play with our fans, and put some happiness in their lives because today was really tough, for sure, for them."

As United prepare to return to Old Trafford for the first time in over two weeks to face Bournemouth on Sunday, Amorim is focused on building momentum.