Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has voiced his profound concerns about his team sliding back into last season's dismal form following a shocking 1-0 home defeat to ten-man Everton on Monday night.
Historic defeat at Old Trafford
Despite Everton playing most of the match with ten men after Idrissa Gueye's early red card, the visitors secured a historic victory at Old Trafford. This marked the first time in Premier League history that a team reduced to ten players has won at Manchester United's famous stadium.
The Red Devils, missing attacking talents Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko through injury, produced a worryingly limp performance that saw them create few genuine chances throughout the match. This sobering result ended United's five-game unbeaten run and left them languishing in tenth position in the Premier League with just five wins from their opening twelve fixtures.
Amorim's bleak admission
Speaking at his post-match press conference, the visibly frustrated Portuguese manager didn't hide his concerns about his team's regression. 'I feel afraid of returning to the feeling of last season, that is my biggest concern,' Amorim confessed.
He elaborated on his team's shortcomings, stating: 'We are not there, not even near the point that we should be to fight for the best positions. We have a lot to do. We have to be perfect to win games, we were not perfect today.'
Amorim acknowledged that despite recent positive momentum, his team failed to capitalise on the opportunity. 'When we see the results of the weekend, we should get onto the pitch with a different excitement. Old Trafford was there saying 'we are all here for a big step up'. And we were not ready.'
Players echo manager's concerns
United defender Matthijs de Ligt mirrored his manager's disappointment, describing the performance as a significant step backwards. 'I think in all aspects today it felt like a step back,' the Dutch international stated. 'Not only the result, the intensity, the focus, the way we were fighting for each other, suffering for each other. Today definitely felt like a step back compared to the last week.'
Despite the bleak assessment, United remain just three points off a top four spot, offering some hope that their season could still be salvaged. However, Amorim's repeated insistence that his team is 'nowhere near the moment we are meant to be in this club' suggests significant improvement is needed quickly.
The United boss confirmed immediate action would be taken, saying: 'We need to work together, we are going to work together. The players are trying but we need to be better. We have training tomorrow and we are going to prepare the next one.' United face Crystal Palace away on Sunday in what now represents a crucial test of their character and ability to respond to adversity.
