The fast show

Amorim: It's no joke... even Casemiro's sprinting for me now!

- BY SIMON MULLOCK Chief Football Writer

RUBEN AMORIM knew his Manchester United players were finally getting the message when he saw Casemiro break into a sprint against Arsenal last week.

The United boss has been consistent since arriving at Old Trafford nine months ago that his team must be prepared to put in the hard yards if his methods are going to work.

Watching Casemiro transform from his lumbering usual self into the leader of United's counter-pressing pack - as they chased down Gunners' skipper Martin Odegaard - strengthened Amorim's belief that the squad he's building is starting to sing from the same hymn sheet.

United still lost that game 1-0. But there is a fresh sense of optimism shared by both players and fans alike.

And ahead of the trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage, Amorim (below) insisted: "I think that you can see it [an improved physicality].