Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a strong call for the club to enhance both its transfer strategy and academy development.

Since joining from Sporting Lisbon in November, Amorim’s tenure has been inconsistent, with four wins and six losses in his first 12 matches at the helm.

Despite the rocky start, United plans to back the Portuguese coach in implementing his long-term vision for the club, which is currently navigating through a challenging period in its history.

The Red Devils, now 13th in the Premier League, haven’t claimed the title since the 2012-13 season and have often missed out on Champions League qualification over the last decade.

This slump has occurred despite significant investment, with high-profile signings like £85m Antony, £60m Angel Di Maria, and £73m Jadon Sancho failing to make the desired impact.

Before United’s FA Cup clash with Arsenal on Sunday, Amorim emphasized the need for better decisions in the transfer market moving forward.

Ruben Amorim has urged Man United to improve their transfer business and the academy

United have made several transfer mistakes in recent years, like the £85m signing of Antony

Amorim’s words on the academy come despite United’s impressive youth production line

‘I don’t remember saying clearly that I want new players,’ he said. ‘What I said is sometimes the profile for the system is different and the players came here with a different idea of playing.

‘We need to improve recruitment, when we are targeting players that we are sure they can cope with the demands.’

Meanwhile, United have long been famous for their record in youth development, with Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo just three examples of academy graduates who have established themselves in the first team over recent years.

Mail Sport reported this week how the Red Devils would be open to selling Mainoo and Garnacho if big bids come in for the two youth products this month or in the summer, given the need to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) limitations.

However, Amorim insisted he wanted to keep Mainoo and also outlined his desire to see United’s academy get better in the future.

He added: ‘Yeah, my players are always my favourites so I want to keep my players.  It is a special moment in this club, it is a hard moment but I am really happy Kobbie is improving.

‘Also, we have to improve our academy, young kids that feel the club in the right way and do some business to have money to invest in the team.

‘Our idea is always to keep the best players and to build for this club but I am really happy and like our players especially the guys from the academy.’

Amorim’s warnings are likely to be heeded by United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (above)

Amorim also insisted he wanted to keep Kobbie Mainoo despite speculation over his future

Elsewhere, Rashford has missed the last six games after indicating that he would consider a new challenge in his career and there has been significant speculation over a January exit for the 27-year-old.

And, speaking on Friday, Amorim was reluctant to say whether the unsettled star would return to the squad at Arsenal on Sunday.

‘We will see guys,’ he added. ‘Let’s focus on the game. They are available, they are training, we will see for this game.’