Amorim insists Ratcliffe meeting was no crisis talk for Manchester United

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim stated that his discussions this week with co owner Jim Ratcliffe were not an emergency summit even with the teams rocky beginning to the campaign.

The Red Devils have gathered only four points from their first four Premier League fixtures and suffered a humiliating exit from the League Cup against fourth division outfit Grimsby.

Since assuming control in November the ex Sporting Lisbon manager has secured victory in merely eight of his 31 top flight outings yet he revealed that Ratcliffe affirmed the clubs dedication to an extended plan.

"A fresh deal" quipped Amorim when quizzed on the topics covered in his sit down with the British tycoon Ratcliffe.

"No it was routine matters merely to demonstrate backing and clarify that this is an ongoing initiative."

Manchester United ended the previous term in 15th spot in the Premier League their worst finish in the elite division since the 1973 74 campaign and squandered an opportunity for Champions League football by dropping the Europa League showpiece to Tottenham.

In spite of the lacklustre performances Amorim restated his conviction that the squad is progressing and simply requires greater sharpness in key areas offensively and defensively.

"This is the sport at a club perhaps under the greatest scrutiny globally but our aim is to triumph" he continued.

"I believe last season I was quite harsh on our style of play. Now we are performing solidly right up to the penalty areas in both defence and attack we must show more intensity there. We have to finish chances better.

"On other fronts I feel we have advanced from last year we are in a stronger position overall. That said we must start picking up points having fallen to defeats against Arsenal and Manchester City and at home too particularly following the prior campaigns struggles this represents an issue."

Manchester United confront yet another stern challenge as Chelsea head to Old Trafford on Saturday though Amorim can call upon additional players with Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha recovered from knocks.