Ruben Amorim has warned Manchester United must accept short-term pain for long-term success.

Amorim suffered another defeat against Wolves last week and the prospect of relegation was discussed in his post-match press conference. United have been awful this season. Erik ten Hag was sacked following a continued run of dismal results and Amorim hasn't turned around the team's fortunes as was hoped, but the 39-year-old has implemented a new style of play and needs time to rebuild at Old Trafford.

Amorim will oversee United's final game of 2024 against Newcastle on Monday night and reflected on his challenging first two months in charge in his match programme notes.

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United's head coach said: “When I took this job, I knew that I was signing up for a lot of work. If we are to make the long-term changes that we want to make to Manchester United, then we have to go through that step by step.

"We are looking to implement a new way of playing, at the busiest time of the year, so there are short-term costs for our long-term aims.

“I will say, though, that the players are working hard to take on and use all the new information and instructions they are getting. The longer they do this, the easier it will become for them, and then the comfort and confidence in our game will grow.

"We also have to work on longer-term objectives such as creating the right environment and culture for success, and working on the pathway between our academy and first team to develop players with the qualities we need to reach our high ambitions as a club.

"I have seen enough in the last few weeks to recognise that we have many of the ingredients we need for success, and I remain as convinced as I was on my first day here that we will achieve it.”

Amorim added: “I would like to thank you on behalf of everyone at Manchester United for your loyal support, and wish you all the very best for the new year. I know that it will take a lot of hard work from everyone to get there, but I am very excited about where we can go together in 2025.”

United are 14th in the Premier League. The Reds are just seven points above the relegation zone and 13 points adrift of the Champions League places.