Ruben Amorim reveals why improved Man Utd have made him 'more mad' | OneFootball

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted to being "really, really mad" that his players have not been able to deliver the level of performance they showed at Liverpool.

The Red Devils put in a confident, assured performance at Anfield to wrestle a deserved point away from their bitter rivals - Bruno Fernandes leading by example with a fine midfield display.

United lined up with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield and the pair arguably put in their best displays of the season, complementing Fernandes' showing that demonstrated a greater maturity on the ball and far improved decision making.

Harry Maguire could have won the game at the death for United, but he spooned Joshua Zirkzee's bobbled cutback over Alisson's crossbar.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Amorim admitted he was happy with United's display but was more irritated by the fact his side have put in a number of sub-par performances since he took over.

"I get more mad because of the other games so it's even harder to understand some things," Amorim reflected. "It's not about a system, the technique, it's about something else and it's hard to understand for the coach.

Amad Diallo stepped up for United once more / Carl Recine/GettyImages

"It's a point and I think we should get mad and disappointed more than what we did against Newcastle. We need to be really disappointed and I have to calm down and say the right things. We're in a difficult moment. If we play against Liverpool every day we will do that but we have to do it against any opponent. We need to fight really bad to get out of this situation.

"The way we were really competitive, that's the crucial thing going forwards. I'm happy for the performance, not happy with the result but am really, really mad with the other games."

United's strength of character has been called into question on numerous occasions - Amorim himself admitted pre-game that his players have been "afraid" at times - and the Portuguese added to BBC Match of the Day that his side had showed what they are capable of if they are switched on and playing to their best of their ability.

"That should be a big issue for our players that even one person thinks you have the ability but not the character, we have to fight that and change that," he said. "I think it is really clear. When we are focused, when we fight for every ball, when we suffer and we are tired when the game is finished, we are a good team.

"If we don't do that all the time then we are going to lose games. That is clear to everybody."