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Ruben Amorim has issued a stark warning that Manchester United must up their game or face tough times ahead. Following a 1-1 stalemate with Fiorentina at Old Trafford, which saw United snatch victory in a penalty shootout to claim the Snapdragon Cup, Amorim spoke candidly to MUTV. Despite the draw, he pinpointed areas needing urgent attention before they kick off their Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.

"Today was a tough match," Amorim admitted. "It was important for us to take out the feeling of playing at Old Trafford. I think we had some difficulties, especially in the beginning of the first half, and in the beginning of the second half.

"They have a lot of mobility and we struggle to find the right moment to press. But then we controlled the game and I think we had a lack of fluidity in the game. We can do better.

"But I think it was a perfect game for preparation to show us we need to improve in different areas that we are going to struggle in some moments. But sometimes we have players who can make a play and elevate the stadium."

The summer signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Diego Leon, all backed by Amorim, were in the spotlight, with Cunha and Mbeumo featuring in the clash against Fiorentina.

Amorim expressed his belief that his team is only tapping into a fraction of their potential, stating: "I think they are maybe 50 or 60 per cent of what they can do. I think, like any other team, we are going to improve during the season and they are going to be so much better."

He acknowledged tactical challenges faced by the squad: "In some moments, I felt we needed because of the one against ones, we struggled without a reference as a striker. We have a new player, so we'll see."

The manager threw down the gauntlet for his players ahead of their clash with Arsenal, urging them to earn their place in the starting lineup through their efforts in training: "That is a good thing, it's supposed to be like that, not like last season when we had to struggle to put 11 players on the pitch.

"This is a normal thing, so I have to think and they need to fight during the week so they can change my mind. I have one idea, but they can change my mind during the week.

"It's going to be tough [training before Arsenal]. We try to arrange a full week of training, so we'll have two really strong sessions with time to work. Then we'll break a little bit."