The National Times - Amorim warns chaotic Man Utd to brace for 'rollercoaster' ride

Premier League basement club Southampton were on the brink of a shock win at Old Trafford on Thursday before Amad Diallo scored a stunning 12-minute hat-trick to turn the game on its head.

It followed a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Liverpool and a morale-boosting FA Cup win against Arsenal.

Amorim, who took over from the sacked Erik ten Hag in November, had previously warned that a "storm will come" ahead of a run of six defeats in eight games.

And the 39-year-old Portuguese boss forecast more turbulence following a sub-par display against the struggling Saints.

Despite the win United, who host Brighton on Sunday, are still languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.

"I think it's going to be hard until the end of the season," Amorim said. "It's going to be a little bit that rollercoaster. Then it depends on the time you have to train. We are still in the (FA) Cup and we have UEFA games for the Europa League.

"Then it's important also to focus on next Thursday (when Scottish giants Rangers visit Old Trafford) to win and to try to be in that top eight."

He added: "We had seven trainings together in 14, 15 games. It's really hard, but we have to continue and try to win it. Sometimes playing good, sometimes playing bad."

Amorim accepted his side did not play well against Southampton and indicated several players were tired, including Manuel Ugarte, whose own goal late in the first half gave the visitors the lead.

"You (the media) are focused on what I said about Ugarte," he said.

"Ugarte was tired because he did a great job against Liverpool.

"If you look at the game against Arsenal, maybe Ugarte and Bruno (Fernandes) were the best players against Liverpool.

"They didn't play against Newcastle. I think that happens with all players in the Premier League."

F.Adams--TNT