Amorim criticises Man Utd performance despite progressing in FA Cup thanks to late Harry Maguire winner | OneFootball

Ruben Amorim admits he was left dissatisfied with his team despite progressing in the FA Cup by beating Leicester City 2-1.

United went a goal down in the first half to Bobby De Cordova Reid’s header but Joshua Zirkzee levelled from close range after the break before Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header sent United through.

Maguire appeared to be in an offside position but VAR was not in use in the fourth round tie, meaning United were dealt a reprieve.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Amorim said: “We have to go until the end but this game has nothing to do with the time of Fergie,” when it was suggested that Maguire’s winner came in “Fergie time”, a nod to previous manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who was in attendance at the game.

“I think the performance, we have to do so much better with the ball, without the ball.

“We didn’t have any energy in the beginning, especially in the first half. Then in the second half we played a little bit better with a little bit more speed and winning second balls and then we managed to turn things around.

“A good result but not a good performance.”

Pushed on what the problems are, he continued: “It’s everything and the coach is the first one responsible when the team doesn’t perform and doesn’t improve. It’s the coach, but we are here to improve the team.

“Sometimes it’s the small things, to have control of the ball, to not give the ball away in the first pressure. It’s the small things, the big things, it’s everything.

“I cannot focus on just saving the season or the momentum with a cup. It’s not the way I see football, it’s not the way I see Manchester United.

“I care about this moment and at this moment, it’s clearly not good enough.

“We move forward to the next stage but today was not a good day.”