Erik ten Hag 'didn't want overweight Man Utd signing' as Ruben Amorim fires clear warning

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Manchester United will today continue preparations for Thursday's must-win Europa League clash against PAOK at Old Trafford. In the background of Ruud van Nistelrooy's interim reign, anticipation builds for Ruben Amorim's November 11 arrival.

Van Nistelrooy has picked up two positive results since Erik ten Hag's sacking - beating Leicester City 5-2 and sharing a point with fourth-place Chelsea.

But it is crucial that United defeat PAOK this week, having failed to win any of their opening three Europa League matches despite leading in them all.

Related articles Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez breaks silence after foul on Chelsea's Palmer Roy Keane makes decision on wearing a poppy on TV after Joey Barton criticism

Express Sport provides the latest United stories as the fallout from a busy few days continues to swirl.

Erik ten Hag's Joshua Zirkzee dismay

Joshua Zirkzee was named the first signing of the INEOS era in the summer, landing at Old Trafford in a £36.5million deal from Bologna.

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But he has faltered since scoring a debut winner against Fulham on the season's opening weekend, currently enduring a 15-game goal drought.

And now it has emerged that, according to The Sun, Ten Hag didn't even want the 23-year-old striker. The report adds his doubts grew when Zirkzee arrived at the club overweight.

It's claimed that he has struggled to lose the extra pounds, which left Ten Hag unhappy before his dismissal. Since returning from injury, Rasmus Hojlund has restored his status as United's first-choice striker.

Joshua Zirkzee is struggling at Man Utd. (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

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Ruben Amorim ready for Man City

Incoming United boss Amorim has described the past week as the "worst and best" of his life as he prepares to bid farewell to Sporting's home crowd against Manchester City in the Champions League tonight.

While he wouldn't be blamed for fighting his emotions during his box office clash against Pep Guardiola, the 39-year-old has warned United's rivals that it'll be business as usual.

"For me, it's another game as Sporting coach. I will be judged as a Sporting coach," Amorim told TNT Sports yesterday.

"It's a massive game for me. [Pep Guardiola] is the best coach in the world. I know it's tough for Manchester United fans, [but] I think [City] are the best team in the world.

"So it's going to be a tough game. We are near the qualification for the play-off, so this game is very important. It's my last game in Alvalade, so that is my focus. The objectives of Sporting, my last game in Alvalade.

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Related articles Man Utd's Lisandro Martinez 'could've ended Cole Palmer's career' says ex-ref Roberto De Zerbi changes mind on Mason Greenwood with two-word verdict Ruben Amorim lets slip ‘tough’ admission Man Utd supporters won’t want to hear Lisandro Martinez speaks out after let-off

United would've felt unlucky not to beat Chelsea on Sunday, having been denied three points by Moises Caicedo's long-range pearler.

However, Lisandro Martinez was fortunate to avoid a red card for a challenge on Cole Palmer deep into the second half, which left the visitors incensed.

A VAR review didn't interfere with referee Rob Jones' decision to hand Martinez a yellow, agreeing his high foot didn't endanger his opponent.

The United defender has since spoken out on social media but chose to ignore the contentious incident with his assessment of the close-fought contest at Old Trafford.

He posted an image that showed him with his teammates on Instagram, captioning it: "Keep working and keep trying until the end, always as a team."

Erik ten Hag 'didn't want overweight Man Utd signing' as Ruben Amorim fires clear warning

Erik ten Hag 'didn't want overweight Man Utd signing' as Ruben Amorim fires clear warning

Erik ten Hag 'didn't want overweight Man Utd signing' as Ruben Amorim fires clear warning

Erik ten Hag 'didn't want overweight Man Utd signing' as Ruben Amorim fires clear warning

Erik ten Hag 'didn't want overweight Man Utd signing' as Ruben Amorim fires clear warning