Ruben Amorim makes damning admission after Man Utd win and it speaks volumes about his current squad

Ruben Amorim gave an eye-opening insight into the fitness of his Manchester United squad after they recorded a hard-fought 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

Since joining the club, Amorim has been vocal about wanting his players to improve their overall fitness.

When asked if he will use a higher defensive line during an interview with Sky Sports recently, the 39-year-old began by saying: "The first thing I think we have to be is better athletes."

He added: "That is something that you can acknowledge when you are here and we see the data. When I say fitter it is not thinner or nothing about that. It is the data; you have to understand the data to press high. What is the average metres that you have to run. We like to run and to sprint.

"To press high you have to be very fit and you have to cope with the demands of pressing high.”

On Thursday night, United came from behind to beat Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Amorim made all five substitutions by midway through the second-half as Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt were replaced.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the full-time whistle, he even said goalscorer Rasmus Hojlund was "dead" on his feet after playing the full 90 minutes.

"We had more chances [than against Ipswich] and were more dangerous. But we will have to change players," Amorim told TNT Sports. "I felt that Rasmus was dead. Some [players] were really, really tired.

"We made four substitutions because of the fitness of the players, not because of what was best for the game. We are in that moment. We need the squad all together and fit."

Image credit: Getty

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Amorim's comments.

One wrote: "How are those players so unfit ? Wtf did Ten Hag do with those players goddamn," while another commented: "There is something rotten in the physical preparation of these players and this needs to be improved."

A third said: "It’s basically a mini-pre season he’s putting these players through. Everyone has to earn their spot. I wish he had more time with them in training but it is what it is. Baby steps."

A fourth wrote: "Amorim’s honesty is refreshing. It's clear he's pushing the players hard, but maintaining energy and focus will be key moving forward," and a fifth added: "Exactly game management and player management to avoid work overload and nonsensical injuries."

Thoughts on United's fitness levels? Let us know in the comments.