Ruben Amorim has issued a warning to Man United – as he tells Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Red Devils MUST improve both their transfer business and academy.

Manchester United manager Rubén Amorim has issued a warning to the club, urging them to improve their transfer business and academy.

Amorim has had a mixed record since arriving at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in November, winning just four (and losing six) of his 12 games in charge.

Despite the turbulent start, there is a recognition that United will allow the Portuguese manager to build his long-term vision at the club following a difficult period in their history.

The Red Devils, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League, have not won the top flight since 2012-13, while they have regularly failed to qualify for the Champions League over the past decade.

This has been despite a period of big spending, with several big-money signings at Old Trafford failing to make a positive impact on the club, including the likes of £85m Antony, £60m Angel Di Maria and Jadon £73m Sancho.

And, speaking ahead of United's FA Cup match against Arsenal on Sunday, Amorim insisted United must do better in the transfer market going forward.

Rubén Amorim urged Man United to improve their transfer business and academy

United have made several transfer mistakes in recent years, such as signing Antony for £85m.

Amorim's words about the youth team 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 that sometimes the profile of the system is different and the players came here with a different idea of ​​​​playing.

“We need to improve recruiting, where we focus on players who we are sure can cope with the demands.”

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

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

However, Amorim insisted that he wanted to stay with Mainoo and also expressed his desire to see United's academy improve in the future.

He added: “Yes, my players are always my favorites, so I want to keep them.” It is a special time at this club, it is a difficult time but I am very happy that Kobbie is improving.

“Also, we have to improve our academy, young guys who 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 build for this club, but I am very happy and I like our players, especially the academy boys.”

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is likely to heed Amorim's warnings (above)

Amorim also insisted that he wanted to keep Kobbie Mainoo despite speculation about his future.

Elsewhere, Rashford has missed the last six matches after indicating 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 unstable star would return to the Arsenal squad on Sunday.

“We'll see guys,” he added. 'Let's focus on the game. “They are available, they are training, we will see in this game.”