An update has emerged surrounding the future of Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager - as a former staff member outlines his 'concerns'.
United take on Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday night on the back of two wins out of their last five matches.
They defeated bottom side Wolves 4-1 at Molineux last Monday, and could end the current gameweek in fifth place depending on other results.
United would have been in an even stronger position had they not dropped two points at home to West Ham in a 1-1 draw earlier this month, having led 1-0.
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They also suffered a 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Everton.
United's attacking output has been far superior this season in terms of attacking output compared to last, but it is their lack of proficiency in front of goal that has cost them more points.
Either way, Amorim is clearly in a more secure position than he was at times last term, with United ultimately finishing in 15th place in the Premier League table.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United have no intention of parting company with the Portuguese manager ahead of a January transfer window which will see the club target fresh additions.
While the quartet of summer signings - goalkeeper Senne Lammens and forwards Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo - have all had positive impacts, Amorim will have to do without Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui in the upcoming month due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The competition gets underway on December 21.
The Manchester Evening News are reporting that the club are keeping any news 'under wraps' on whether they will be able to play against Bournemouth until the teams are announced - with FIFA's deadline for releasing players falling on the same day as the Bournemouth fixture.
And speaking to Football Insider, former United chief scout Mick Brown believes Amorim will face 'a huge test' once all three players depart - with Mbeumo in particular highlighted.
"Losing Mbeumo is going to be a big blow, because he's so important to what United have done recently," Brown says.
"They don't have anybody who gives them the type of energy he gives going forward. Plus, Amad and Mazraoui will be going away too, so that's the right-hand side weekend.
"Now, the manager needs to find a way of coping without these players ... it's something that will have to work, because otherwise results and performances are going to nosedive.
"At this point, it would be a shock if he was sacked, something dramatic would have to happen so I understand that, but there are definitely concerns.
"If he now loses Mbeumo to AFCON and the other players as well, and these results and performances have a sudden dip, then we'll know why."
Topics: Ruben Amorim, Manchester United, Premier League, Football
Ryan Smart