Ruben Amorim has admitted there are times that he has considered quitting Manchester United.
The Portuguese head coach has had a torrid start to the new campaign, losing his Premier League opener at home to Arsenal before being held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage.
United were then humiliated at Blundell Park in the Carabao Cup as League Two Grimsby Town defeated them on penalties, having led 2-0 at half time.
Amorim took over the reins from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford last November, but was only able to lead the club to a 15th placed finish in the league table.
He also oversaw defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao thanks to Brennan Johnson’s winner.
Now, in his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s home encounter with Burnley, Amorim revealed that sometimes he has a love-hate relationship with his squad.
“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years,” the United manager said.
“Sometimes I don’t want to be with my players. I need to improve on that.
"I know that when I speak these things,, to be really honest with you guys, every time that we have - or have in the future - a defeat like [vs Grimsby], I am going to be like that.
“I am going to say that sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I want to defend my players.
“This is my way of doing things and I'm going to be like that.
“I felt that at that moment I was so frustrated and annoyed.
“I know, again, that you have a lot of experienced people talking about the way I should perform with the media, to be more constant, to be more calm. I'm not going to be like that."
There have been plenty of transfer rumours swirling around Old Trafford in previous days, with Kobbie Mainoo requesting a loan move away from the club to secure more first-team football, while an agreement has been struck with Chelsea to sell Alejandro Garnacho for £40million.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund looks set to complete a loan with buy obligation switch to Napoli, while reports claim that Elche are interested in signing Tyrell Malacia as the Red Devils attempt a fire-sale ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Amorim insisted, however, that he wants Mainoo to stay at the club, although he remained tight-lipped on Garnacho’s pending exit.
"Until it is official I cannot say much,” he said of the Argentine forward.
“I want Kobbie to stay,” he continued.
“He needs to fight for his place. I understand players who don't play are disappointed but everyone will have the same opportunities to play. You have to fight during the week.”
