Ruben Amorim has pointed the finger of blame at four separate Man Utd stars during tenure

A number of senior players in the Manchester United dressing room have felt the sharp edge of Ruben Amorim's criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have endured a mixed campaign thus far, with victories over Liverpool and Crystal Palace serving as standout moments for the club.

However, defeats to Everton, Brentford and Manchester City have prompted Amorim to direct his frustration towards certain squad members, something the Portuguese tactician has shown no hesitation in doing throughout his reign. Club captain Bruno Fernandes found himself in the firing line early in Amorim's tenure following his sending-offl during a 2-0 defeat against Wolves last season. The midfielder collected a second booking and was given his marching orders in the opening stages of the second half, as Amorim highlighted the complications caused by the red card.

He said: "It's so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it's more difficult. So we have to focus on that."

Reports also suggested the manager deliberately snubbed his skipper as he trudged off the field. However, Amorim acknowledged that Fernandes was equally frustrated by the dismissal.

He said: "I am always frustrated with the red card, but it can happen as he always want to go for the ball. It is not like he wants to stop the player with a yellow. He wanted to go for the ball, the guy got there first and there is a contact and that thing is tough on him also."

This season, Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha and Leny Yoro have all found themselves on the receiving end of Amorim's wrath. Most recently, defender Yoro was accused of overthinking after he conceded a penalty against Crystal Palace in November.

Highlighting the French star's young age, Amorim said: "Of course, I also spoke with him because he thinks too much. He makes the mistakes in the game and then he struggles because he's too young and he wants to do everything so well. And he's growing.

"He's growing in one moment that everyone here is growing with games, with setbacks, so it's not easy for him as a young guy. And of course, he cannot give that to the people, the way he came to the bench. So, he understands that, but he was really frustrated."

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He added: "On the good side, it shows that he cares and he was knowing that was not the best game, but he did some things well, and I show him that also, so he's fit and ready for the next challenge."

Fellow defender Dorgu has also faced criticism from Amorim, with the full-back's 'anxiety' highlighted following the international break. The Danish star had been outstanding for his country during their World Cup qualifying campaign, netting the equaliser against Scotland in a crucial clash.

Despite that 4-2 defeat, Amorim spotted Dorgu's promise but admitted feeling on edge whenever the youngster gets on the ball. Following United's 1-0 reverse against Everton earlier in November, the 40-year-old said: "He needs to be calmer playing the game.

"You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety. You remember the shot against Everton. That was easier than the decision he had to make [playing for Denmark] against Scotland.

"He made a great decision, and I saw it when he played in Italy. But here it is different, and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve."

Summer signing Cunha has also endured Amorim's public criticism this campaign. Arriving in June for £62.5million, the Brazilian endured a lengthy wait before finding the net in United colours.

His breakthrough moment arrived against Brighton in October, clinching a 4-2 triumph for the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Amorim pressed the forward at that time to prioritise the team over personal statistics.

With Cunha restored to the starting lineup for United's stalemate with West Ham earlier in December, Amorim said: "I think he has more levels to go. He is in a different club, different pressure, but I think he copes with that really well. He was struggling because he was not scoring and he was thinking too much about the numbers. The influence that he has in the team is so important for us, but I think Cunha has so much to grow defensively and offensively."

Whilst Amorim isn't hesitant to offer critique to his players as the campaign progresses, it's evident that this approach comes with compassion and a genuine desire for his squad to flourish.