The picture says it all. Manchester United came off a 2-2 draw at Lyon and needed a big result against Newcastle to regain some momentum for the second leg against Lyon midweek. With a scoreline of 1-1 at halftime, thanks to a stunning strike from Alejandro Garnacho, Amorim was likely pleased with his side. However, Newcastle proved too much in the second half and sent the United players home with their tails between their legs.
How Amorim changed his side
After two costly errors on Thursday night, Andre Onana found himself out of the squad. Reports stated that the keeper was told to "rest and disconnect." After only playing in cup matches this season and just coming back from injury, Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir found himself getting his first Premier League start.
Amorim also started Victor Lindelof over Harry Maguire in the back and turned to Harry Amass instead of Patrick Dorgu on the left. Christian Erikson came in for Casemiro and Joshua Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund up top. Amorim changed his formation, as well. He opted for a 3-4-2-1 over a 3-4-3.
What cost Man United the game?
Ultimately, Manchester United lacked any real conviction. Newcastle had more to play for, as a win brought them back to fourth place and boosts their Champions League hopes. Also, despite the changes from Amorim, the squad has little depth, which means there aren't as many players to rotate in and out.
Amorim's choice to put Bayindir in was a bold one and it did cost him. Bayindir was guilty of a terrible mistakes that gave Newcastle their fourth goal of the night, By then, Newcastle had pretty much wrapped the game up. Harvey Barnes had a brilliant second half, which gave him two more goals to add to his season total.
Bayindir wasn't the sole player who made mistakes. Barnes' second goal came after the Englishman profited off a slip from Noussair Mazraoui. United's defense didn't hold up at all in the second half as Newcastle's pressure was too much to handle.
Another problem for United: injuries. Zirkzee attempted to spur on an attack and made it through several Newcastle players but the Dutchman pulled up with a problem in his hamstring, which allowed Hojlund to make a cameo off the bench. After the game, Amorim confirmed the injury and said it is likely Zirkzee will miss some games.
Looking ahead to Lyon
Manchester United must rebound again at Old Trafford against Lyon on Thursday. Now with Zirkzee sidelined and Chido Obi-Martin ineligible to play in the Europa League, Amorim only has Hojlund as a traditional striker. Other players can fill in, but with a lack of fit players, Amorim will have to choose his squad carefully.
While some players are still sidelined, Amorim was provided with a boost now that Ayden Heaven is fit again and featured on the bench at Newcastle. The youngster will be looking to get back into the squad after impressing during his first few games. Luke Shaw came off the bench once again and is working up to getting more minutes.
Turning to Lyon, the French side won 3-1 against Auxerre on Sunday. All four goals came in the second half and Rayan Cherki bagged his second goal in four days. Lyon will hope that this result gives them a boost going into the matchday at Old Trafford.
The second leg will certainly be one to watch, with both sides aiming to lift the trophy. Amorim will have some tough decisions to make in terms of his starting lineup. Much thought will be put into his choice of starting goalkeeper, as both options seem to be error prone.