Ruben Amorim has challenged his players to misunderstand Sir Jim Ratcliffe about comments from the co-owner of Manchester United that some of them are paid too much and are not good enough.
Ratcliffe made the outspoken comments in a round of interviews on Monday in which he chose Jadon Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Antony and Andre Onana.
“If you look at the players we buy this summer, we didn't buy, we buy Antony, we buy Casemiro, we buy Onana, we buy Hojlund, we buy Sancho,” said Ratcliffe in reference to the outstanding transfer costs on the players.
'These are all things from the past, whether we like it or not, we have inherited those things and have to figure it out. For Sancho, who now plays for Chelsea and we pay half of his wages, we pay £ 17 million to buy it in the summer. '
Amorim was asked about the comments at his press conference for the Europa League on Thursday last 16 second stage against Real Sociedad in Old Trafford.
He said: 'I think if we are honest at the moment, everyone – me, all players – we underperform this season. So we can always change that, and I include myself in that part of the underperforming.
'For example, you are talking about players such as Casemiro, who have won everything and we know that these kinds of players can play so much better. That is the focus.
“He was honest about that, the focus is to change thoughts and change all people of thoughts.
'I think it's the right way to do it, if you are a top player who plays in this club, even me. Many people say that I am not good enough for the club. My feeling is that you can change that with results. In training I have the feeling that they really want this, especially for tomorrow. '
Asked if the players came to him about the issue, he added: 'No, nothing. I've had nothing. I really enjoyed training today. '
Ratcliffe also praised Amorim's work at United, although the team is still in 14th place in the Premier League – the same position they were when he replaced Erik ten Hag in November.
Amorim spoke positively about his relationship with the Ineos chef and said: 'It has been really good since day one. I think we are really blunt and honest with each other.
“He is a little bit of a character, where we are free to each other. I have always felt the support of the board and especially Sir Jim. I can't tell you the conversations, but they are simple conversations, clear conversations and honest conversations. '
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