Manchester

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game at Tottenham (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Amorim would not reveal names but confirmed they "don't have players back" because of setbacks and there are "one or two issues", alongside one player suffering with illness.

• On the importance of game against 14th-placed Tottenham: "Every game from now until the end of the season is a big game for us. We need to improve the way we play football - but especially we need to win. No matter what, we need to win and to do that we need to improve the way we play football."

• The United boss said he is "a huge fan of Ange Postecoglou" and itted they "have the same problems", but added: "With all due respect, I am at a bigger club, with bigger pressure. It is important for a coach to follow his principles."

• On whether he and the team feel that pressure: "I feel it in the performance. Sometimes when we are a bit the underdog - and that is a bit we should not feel in any game because we are Manchester United - I feel the players are more free. We have to be more dominant in every aspect and I feel we are not there. Sometimes the feeling is different when you play away."

• On whether it is dangerous to feel "safe" at this stage of the season: "It is impossible. If you see the table, it is impossible to feel comfortable in this moment."

• He added: "We just want to win and to improve our performance because we are Manchester United. We are always talking about the same thing. We need to win the next game, we need to improve, we need to perform better. There is no comfort in any situation in this club."

• Amid reports of more redundancies at the club, Amorim said his "biggest problem now is Tottenham". However, he added: "I have to understand all these problems but that problem of our club is not new. We already knew all the rules of [financial] fair play. We have a problem at the moment, but that cannot change the way I coach the team and prepare the team."

Full commentary of Tottenham v Man Utd on BBC Radio 5 Live from 16:30 on Sunday

Follow all Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Yet another significant injury for Manchester City as Manuel Akanji faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines.

So how will Pep Guardiola shuffle his defensive options? Who is ready to step up?

And will it be enough to fulfill City's remaining ambitions this season?

Tell us here

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Manuel Akanji is out for "eight-to-10 weeks" with an abductor injury and will have surgery on Saturday.

• On Akanji's injury stretching his defensive options further: "I just wish him a speedy recovery because the effort he has put in this season has been unbelievable. Him and Nathan [Ake] have played in difficult conditions. There has been a lack of players in that position and his body has said enough is enough."

• Guardiola is also doubtful Jack Grealish will be available after being being forced off against Real Madrid on Tuesday, but he will be assessed later on Friday.

• On new g Nico Gonzalez, who was withdrawn on his debut against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup last Saturday: "Day by day, he is getting better. He will also be assessed in a few hours."

• He said "the hours and day after a defeat are difficult" but going forward his side "have to be better."

• Assessing what it is that City are struggling with at the moment: "It's not one subject - if it was then it would be easy to solve it. We have always been so comfortable with the ball and now we are not so. You then have to rely on a physical presence and our physicality is not like other teams."

• He said they "have made some steps backwards compared to the progress made in previous seasons" but they have to maintain their belief and exploit home advantage on Saturday.

• On opponents Newcastle: "They always have been [a difficult side] since Eddie Howe took over. They have good form and unbelievable pace. It's a credit to them."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Full commentary of Manchester City v Newcastle on BBC Radio 5 Live from 15:00 GMT on Saturday

Name this former Manchester United manager from the following clues:

• I spent more than a decade with my previous club before taking charge at Old Trafford;

• My spell as United boss lasted less than a year;

• I was made an OBE in the recent New Year honours list.

Answer will be revealed at 17:00 GMT

Manchester United are tracking 22-year-old Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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