sportskeeda
RUBEN AMORIM is certainly not lacking experience, as he is quite familiar with the atmosphere at Old Trafford.
However, during his most recent visit to the Theatre of Dreams, he encountered a leaking roof during his post-match press conference, a scenario that reflects the current situation at Manchester United.
2
2
Nonetheless, the Portuguese manager recognizes the importance of engaging with fans, and it’s clear that Red Devils supporters are growing “tired” of the persistent problems affecting their struggling club.
Though Amorim has only been with United for a little over a month, the 2-0 defeat on Boxing Day against Wolves marked his fifth loss in seven matches since taking over after Erik ten Hag’s departure.
Next, he must gear up for the upcoming game on Monday against the in-form Newcastle.
The 39-year-old, whose contract extends until 2027, is confident that this timeframe is enough for him to establish his credentials.
However, he faces tough conditions, as fans remain disillusioned with United’s management both on and off the pitch.
In addition, Amorim is confronted with the fact that the team has taken a strong >BACKWARD< direction recently.
In their last home fixture, United suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, during which the roof leaked above him.
This marked the club’s fourth Premier League defeat at Old Trafford this season—a staggering statistic.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Eddie Howe’s squad enters this match on a four-game winning streak, presenting a formidable challenge for United.
Yet Amorim insists: “We must fight against all odds because our supporters are always with us, although they are weary of the current circumstances.”
Ruben Amorim stresses the need for Man Utd to overcome challenges following the defeat to Wolves
“Experiencing hardship is a part of football. I knew it would be tough.
“One hopes to achieve more victories and have players brimming with confidence to execute the strategy and better the situation.
“Right now, it’s exceedingly difficult. We must persevere during this time to improve the team eventually.”
Amorim’s candidness is unquestionable. He has also pointed out that the atmosphere at Old Trafford might become tense anytime Newcastle approaches their goal.
He remarked: “We must prepare for the possibility that any incursion into our box by Newcastle will invoke anxiety within the stadium, and our players need to handle that pressure.
“They are a strong team with great speed, having been under the same coach for an extended period. Our objective is to stay competitive and strive for victory; that is paramount.”
‘Worst Man Utd in half a century’
This is currently the worst United team experienced in fifty years, a shocking reality given the substantial financial investments made in recent seasons.
The underlying issue stems not only from a lack of talent but also from a deficiency in belief and energy, rendering the team overly predictable.
There’s no rational justification for why United shouldn’t prevail over Newcastle; however, it wouldn’t be surprising if they suffered a significant defeat, potentially 4-0.
In the aftermath of the loss to Wolves, Amorim admitted that the team must “survive” in the Premier League, as they currently sit 14th in the rankings, eight points above the relegation zone.
Another pressing concern is United’s ongoing set-piece struggles; they have conceded ten goals from set plays this season, with five occurring under Amorim’s tenure.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana failed to defend Matheus Cunha’s corner at Molineux—just a week after Tottenham’s Son Heung-min netted a similar goal against Altay Bayindir in the Carabao Cup quarter-final.
Set-piece problem
The fact that Wolves practiced scoring directly from corners in the week leading up to the match suggests a substantial issue, as Onana isn’t receiving adequate protection from his defenders.
Amorim stated: “Set pieces are becoming critical. We must enhance our performance, even collaborating with shorter players.”
The new United coach was also asked whether the Red Devils’ fans could help create a more positive atmosphere against Newcastle.
He replied: “I wouldn’t dream of asking anything of our supporters; they offer everything: a filled stadium, unwavering support, and applause even in defeat.
“My ambition is to deliver something to the fans, rather than seek anything from them.”
Fernandes walking disciplinary tightrope
United will be without their captain Bruno Fernandes due to his red card against Wolves.
Although the Portuguese playmaker’s previous expulsion against Spurs in September was overturned, he remains on a disciplinary tightrope and cannot be completely counted on.
When asked if former captain Harry Maguire could be reintroduced, Amorim responded: “He will need to wait for the game.
“He’s performing well. He is dedicated to his responsibilities, dismissing public opinion. He doesn’t make excuses despite facing challenging moments.
“In that regard, he serves as a role model, and he is ready to contribute to the team. He is striving to achieve that.”
Man Utd ratings vs Wolves
By Ken Lawrence
WOLVES delivered a stunning Boxing Day upset as Manchester United’s struggles continued.
The 2-0 defeat leaves Ruben Amorim with a mere two victories out of the seven Premier League games he’s directed.
United are currently languishing in 14th place in the table, and today’s match was compounded by Bruno Fernandes’ red card and Andre Onana conceding a goal directly from a corner.
Here’s how SunSport evaluated the performances…
ANDRE ONANA: 4
He made a vital save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half but significantly misjudged the trajectory of Cunha’s corner, resulting in the opening goal—his claim of obstruction by Matt Doherty was rejected.
LENY YORO: 5
He returned to the starting lineup but received a yellow card within four minutes for fouling Cunha, putting him at risk for the remainder of the match as he faced ongoing pressure from Wolves. Substituted shortly after the hour mark.
HARRY MAGUIRE: 6
The England defender did everything in his power to keep United in the contest during sustained pressure, at least momentarily warding off danger until the closing minutes, and he even managed to direct a header on target during stoppage time.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6
Formed a solid defensive partnership with Maguire, aiding in preventing Wolves from securing a more comfortable victory. He made key challenges in the later stages, although Wolves ultimately exploited a counter in the dying moments.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5
Displayed determination but struggled against the standout performer of the match—Cunha.
MANUEL UGARTE: 5
Had trouble resisting the Wolves attack at various points and was substituted as part of Amorim’s tactical changes following Fernandes’s red card.
KOBBIE MAINOO: 5
Showed potential early on, setting up several good opportunities, but faded after receiving a booking in the second half and was eventually substituted.
DIOGO DALOT: 6
Recorded a solid save in the first half, marking one of the rare highlights for United, yet had limited impact on an otherwise dismal team performance.
AMAD DIALLO: 5
At times, he lacked awareness of his teammates and seemed a shadow of the player who impressed in the Manchester derby just weeks ago.
BRUNO FERNANDES: 3
Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow card after fouling Nelson Semedo, showing frustration prior to his dismissal.
RASMUS HOJLUND: 5
Showed visible frustration at his teammates’ lack of support, found it challenging up front, and was substituted in the final ten minutes.
SUBS
Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6
Christian Eriksen (for Ugarte, 63 mins): 6
Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6
Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5
