Manchester United have lost four of their last five league games. The crisis has worsened again under the new coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese wants to “gain time”.
It’s the worst start for a coach in the world Old Trafford for almost 100 years: Ruben Amorim came with great praise in mid-November Manchester United. A month and a half later, the balance sheet is even worse than that of his predecessor, Erik ten Hag.
Four of the last five league games were lost – not even the 2-1 win in the city derby can compare with this record Manchester City console you. The consequence in the busy days around Christmas and the New Year: 14th place in the English rankings Premier League.
Closer to the relegation zone than to the CL places
With 22 points from 18 games, United are currently closer to the relegation zone (14 points) than to the Champions League places (33 points). After the 0-2 defeat on Boxing Day (December 26, 2024) for relegation candidates Wolverhampton Wanderersin which captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the third time this season, coach Amorim only spoke of “survival”.
“I have no idea. No idea. I’m not trying to understand how long it will take”Amorim replied when asked how long it would take for his ideas to have an impact: “At the moment we just need to survive and buy some time to work on the team.” He clarified: “I have already told you that this will be a difficult moment and we are far from finished.“
Amorim sorts out Rashford
Amorim is clearly in the process of finding the players who fit into his system and who he trusts. Not once did he field the same personnel in two consecutive games. The offensive players Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were not even in the squad for the city derby against City – which caused speculation in the British press.
While Garnacho has since returned, Rashford has since been ignored by Amorim – and in a recent interview suggested that he was “ready” for “new challenges”. A move in January seems to be an option. But Amorim is gradually running out of offensive options – in the event of no January transfers: Neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee have been able to convince in the long term so far.
Difficult next games for United
The problems in defense, in the 3-4-2-1 system introduced by Amorim, are even more serious. Since the beginning of December there have been 14 goals conceded in six games across all competitions.
The league continues on Monday (December 30th, 2024) – with a home game against the in-form team Newcastle United. This is followed by an away game against league leaders FC Liverpool (05.01.2025) and the FA Cup game at FC arsenal (01/12/2205).