Manchester United are set to travel away to face Aston Villa in Matchweek 17 of the Premier League. Ahead of the game, multiple media outlets released the second part of Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim's pre-match press conference.
On Whether It's Necessary to Sign Leadership and High-Profile Influential Players in Future Transfer Windows
You just talked about some issues regarding team building. Obviously, you may carry out signings in the January transfer window or the summer transfer window. Do you think it's necessary to sign players who can exert a leading role? Do you need to sign some influential high-profile players? After all, last summer, there were rumors linking you with Martínez and Lammers. Do you think some influential players need to join to possibly improve the atmosphere in the dressing room?
"First of all, it's difficult to talk about the future and these in-depth issues now. I'm only focused on the next game; we have to take it one step at a time. We have an important game coming up, which we must win, and we have to try to find different ways to play. Because especially with Amad and Mbemba sidelined, we've lost some characteristics that are hard to replace. So, we'll focus on this game first, then see about other things."
On Mainoo Not Taking the Initiative to Clarify His Half-Brother's Incident and Whether It Reflects His Lack of Proactivity
Speaking of Mainoo's half-brother's incident, you said your door is always open to players. Don't you think it's a bit strange that Mainoo hasn't come to you and said, 'Coach, this has nothing to do with me, I just want to make sure you know that'? In this situation, it must reflect his personality—maybe he inherently lacks that proactive drive...
"He's a shy young man, but this isn't his responsibility. He only needs to be responsible for his own actions, and he performed very well in the last game, so that's all I focus on. I encountered a similar situation when I was at Sporting CP; my brother made some comments online, and I had to respond to them. My explanation was that he has his own life and his own opinions, which have nothing to do with me. So I'll take the same attitude towards Kobbie."
"Kobbie needs to fight for his playing time. I think it's not a bad thing for a 20-year-old to be on Manchester United's bench. I remember Ronaldo sat on the bench, Rooney sometimes sat on the bench, Verón didn't play either. I remember Manchester United's history—no one backs down. So let's continue to work hard to avoid the nonsense and noise. Believe it or not, I just want to help the team win and help Kobbie become a better player."
On Whether Citing Ronaldo and Rooney's Bench Experience Is to Foster a Competitive Atmosphere
I do believe what you said. When you mention that big names like Rooney and Ronaldo also sat on the bench, are you trying to foster a competitive atmosphere—like 'there's competition here'...
"No, I'm not trying to say: 'Mainoo is an important player for us, let's put him on the bench to make a point.' No, on the contrary. Sometimes I don't play Mainoo because I don't think he's the right starter for that game. Maybe he'll start the next one. If he performs well and can prove to everyone that no one can push him out of the team, I'll be very happy. So I don't care about that; I don't want to prove anything to anyone. I just want to win games and make the players understand that as long as you perform well, no matter who you are, you'll get playing time."
On Satisfaction with Choosing Lammers Over Martínez Amid the 4-Goal Defeat on Monday
You conceded four goals in Monday's game, but I think it's fair to say that Lammers has performed very well since joining the first team. Conceding four goals is certainly not his fault, and things could have been different—you could have signed Martínez. Given how the season has gone so far, are you satisfied with your choice?
"We are very satisfied with Lammers. We have a game against Aston Villa coming up, and I don't want to comment on other things anymore; I just want to focus on this game. I'm satisfied with the goalkeepers, and I'm happy to have Lammers."
On Ongoing Satisfaction with Lammers' Performance
Are you still satisfied with his performance so far?
"Of course."
On Whether Sancho's Situation Proves McTominay's View That Players Don't Necessarily Improve After Leaving Man Utd
McTominay recently said he disagrees with the idea that players improve and have better careers after leaving Manchester United. Do you think Sancho's situation can prove this and support McTominay's view?
"I have nothing to say about that. Sancho is not a regular player for us at the moment; he is playing for the opponent this season and will not feature (because he is on loan and ineligible for this game due to the avoidance clause). He is a very good player."
On Whether Transfer Funds Will Be Available for Signings in January
As January approaches, has the club told you that transfer funds will be available if you want to buy players next month?
"We'll have to wait and see. The only thing we're sure of is that we'll only try to sign players we believe will be part of the future. This won't be to save something, nor will it be to deal with the blow of three players being absent for the Africa Cup of Nations—it won't be like that."
On Plans to Deploy Non-Full-Backs in the Position Amid Africa Cup Absences
Regarding the players going to the Africa Cup of Nations, you may be short of full-backs in the next few weeks. Do you have plans to let players who haven't played as full-backs take up that position? For example, Malacia—I know he hasn't played since returning to the team...
"It depends on how we play that week, but if we have to switch to a back four, we'll switch to a back four."
