Gary Lineker thinks Ruben Amorim was being too pessimistic when the Portuguese boss said Manchester United are currently in a relegation battle.

Amorim, 39, recently admitted that United could be in a relegation scrap after being beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle United. The result left the Red Devils in 14th, seven points above 18th placed Ipswich Town and 13 behind Chelsea in fourth.

After losing five of his first eight Premier League matches, Amorim admitted United should consider themselves relegation battlers until their form turns around. But while he admitted United were poor against Newcastle, Lineker does not think the picture is quite as bad as what Amorim made it out to be.

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Speaking on 'The Rest is Football podcast', Lineker said: "Did you see after the game that Amorim confirmed he thinks the team are in a relegation battle? I mean, that’s extraordinary.

"He said that. That’s not us saying that, I don’t think they are going to be in a relegation battle, I’m sure.”

While also focussing on the loss to Newcastle, Lineker added: "It’s not gone to plan for Manchester United this season. At the moment, Amorim’s record is worse than Ten Hag. We saw them play against Newcastle, and the first half an hour was quite embarrassing actually."

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Amorim could not hide his disappointment when he carried out his post-match press conference at Old Trafford. When asked by a member of the press if relegation was a realistic concern for United, he replied: "That is really clear [United are being dragged into a relegation battle] so we have to fight.

"It is a really difficult moment, one of the more difficult moments in the history of Manchester United and we have to address it with honesty."

He added: "It is also my fault. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.

"I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock. When you have these kind of moments, especially in the big clubs, it's really hard to turn things around, especially when you don't have a lot of time to train the basics, to cope with the difficult moments.

"So we have to acknowledge our position, the way you see the league, everybody can beat everybody."

Things are not getting any easier for Amorim, who faces an away trip to Liverpool on Sunday, before an FA Cup 3rd round away clash in north London against Arsenal the following weekend.