Amorim Stresses That Progress Remains Slow and Uncertain
Ruben Amorim returned to Old Trafford with more concern than satisfaction. His earlier warning about a coming storm still shaped this visit. His team beat Everton 4-0 last year, yet he insisted they remained far from complete. He repeated that view as Manchester United failed to use a huge advantage. United watched Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane clash in a strange moment that ended with a red card. Everton then played with 10 men for 77 minutes. United still produced a performance that confirmed Amorim’s fears about their slow evolution.
United Lose Control Through Errors in Key Moments
Amorim watched his young defenders give the ball away with no pressure. Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro both did it as Everton grew into the match. Amad Diallo then made wrong choices while replacing the injured Matheus Cunha. Cunha also missed a chance to switch on Altrincham’s Christmas lights because of that injury. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes then failed to deliver in decisive moments. Their missed chances kept Everton alive. Joshua Zirkzee failed to impress during his first start this season. Kobbie Mainoo also struggled to shine during his long second-half run. Both players need strong displays to keep their World Cup hopes intact. Senne Lammens then made a weak attempt to stop Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s winning shot. Zirkzee forced Jordan Pickford into one full-stretch save late on. United produced nothing more in a match they should dominate with ease.
A Strong October Threatens to Slip Away Quickly
Amorim warned on Friday that a good run can fall apart fast. United now travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday. He said he understood exactly where his team stood in their rebuild. He added that they remained far from the level required to fight for top spots. He said they must be perfect to win matches. He said they were far from perfect today.
Failures to Hold Leads Continue to Define Their Season
United’s recent results show a troubling pattern. They led at Nottingham Forest and Tottenham but failed to protect either lead. They needed late equalisers after falling behind in both matches. If they held those leads, they would sit second in the live standings. They entered this match last in the weekend round. They knew a win would take them into fifth. A repeat of last season’s score would push them into fourth. They faced 10 men for 77 minutes at home with that chance ahead of them. They still lost. It was their first Premier League defeat at Old Trafford after an opponent received a red card. They had won 36 and drawn 10 of the previous 46 in that situation.
Amorim Worries About a Return to Last Season’s Deep Problems
Amorim said Old Trafford felt ready for a major step forward. He felt his team were not prepared to take it. He repeated that praise from recent weeks hid deeper problems. He insisted they remained far from the level expected at this club. He now faces a key question one year after his first match, a draw at Ipswich. How far are they from where they must be? United face no European matches, unlike Crystal Palace before Sunday. The club spent £250m in the summer to rebuild a squad that collapsed to 15th. They now sit 10th inside a tight pack with Tottenham, Everton and Liverpool. They remain three points off the top four as they enter a run that should bring many points. The club saw eighth place under Erik ten Hag as unacceptable. Amorim described the match as frustrating and disappointing. He said Everton played better. He said United deserved to lose.
A Heated Exchange Shows a Trait Amorim Wants in His Own Team
Amorim agreed with David Moyes that the Gueye-Keane fight showed desire. He said he wants that desire in his own team without the red card. He said fighting is not bad. He said fighting does not mean players dislike each other. He said fighting means reacting when danger follows a lost ball. He said he hopes his players fight each other in that sense when they lose possession.
Early Progress Now Turns Into Worrying Regression
United moved forward in October with strong results and a manager of the month award. November now brings clear regression. We still do not know what this United team truly is. Amorim seems to feel the same way. He said he fears a return to last season’s bleak feeling when every match felt risky. He said he entered games worried about what he would see. He said he fears that feeling again. He said the team must work together. He said they will work together. He said the players try, but they must be better.
