Jose Mourinho's war of words with his squad continued on Tuesday evening in his pre-Arsenal comments in Manchester United's matchday squad.
The manager has not been shy about calling out his players for a perceived lack of effort this season and has on Wednesday warned there "isn't space for people that are not ready to give their all" at the club.
Mourinho, though, reserved praise for Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay in light of a crippling injury crisis in defence.
"As we come towards the Christmas period, there are many games to play and we are at a time in the season when we have picked up a lot of injuries - only a person with an intention can hide that fact," he wrote.
"Our injuries are leaving us in a very difficult position to manage, and I have to say that some of our players deserve real credit for their team ethic and bravery to be playing in positions that are not natural to them; for example, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic playing as central defenders in our last match.
"This is a game which we want to win and, to have the best chance of that, we have to remember the saying that 'simplicity is genius'. We have to make our weaknesses become our strengths, with real determination, pride and desire to win the match. There isn't space for people that are not ready to give it their all.
"We must be strong, confident and unite to create an atmosphere of empathy, with our supporters by playing with heart and with passion. Lots of young players need that support and belief to help them put in a strong performance."
