Man United boss Amorim admits to being frustrated by losing players to AFCON

Amorim on the touchline
Amorim on the touchlineManjit Narotra/ProSports / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has spoken to the media ahead of this weekend's game with Bournemouth.

United sit one point behind fourth-placed Crystal Palace after picking apart Wolves on Monday night in what was a captain’s performance from Bruno Fernandes. 

Amorim's side have a record of four wins, one draw and two defeats from their seven Premier League matches at Old Trafford this season as they prepare to welcome the Cherries to Manchester.  

Team news

The Portuguese tactician first spoke on team news ahead of the game, which could put United in contention for the Champions League. 

"(Harry) Maguire is out (Matthijs) De Ligt is out. Ben (Sesko), we have to see if he is available. He had some food poisoning – we have two trainings still.” 

On Mason Mount: "We have to look at the way the game was, but he's a very, very smart player, he's really technical. He can balance our team quite well, so he's a very good player." 

On De Ligt’s injury: "I think he has something in his back. I don't know for sure. He finished the game against Crystal Palace, but sometimes he feels pain, and we have to be careful with that." 

How will AFCON affect Man Utd?

With so many injuries weighing down on Amorim, the United boss’ problems will grow even worse with the arrival of the Africa Cup of Nations, which will lead to even more rotation. Amorim was asked about the competition and when players may depart the squad which he will know more about later today.

"We are still in conversations with the national teams. The game is Monday, they are here and training, but we are preparing all the scenarios for the game. 

"I don't know if it's going to be the same situation. It depends on the games, and every national team has an idea of when they want their players. I expect to know today.

"It's frustrating, but at the same time, nobody knows who is going to play, so it's a good thing. We have players to cope with everything. With a long week, you can see a lot of things and work on stuff to prepare for any situation."

Finally, Amorim commented on Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and his side, who have actually lost four of their last six in the Premier League despite a fantastic start to the season which saw them within the top four.

"Special. The way they play the game like a big team, what he is doing for some players. He is improving players, and you can look at that team and think several of their players can play at a high level, so it's an amazing job from the manager."