Manchester United was put to the sword at Old Trafford as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United under new manager Ruben Amorim. Early goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton secured the win for Newcastle within the first 20 minutes as the Magpies rubbed salt in Amorim’s wound as he continued to set unwanted records. This loss marked United's fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions, leaving them 14th in the Premier League, just seven points above the relegation zone.
The current position marks Manchester United's third worst position on the Premier League table at Christmas. The first occurred in the 1973-74 season when they were in 20th place, the bottom of the league. That season, they were ultimately relegated to the Second Division. The second occurred in 1986 when Manchester United was 19th in December. This was before Sir Alex Ferguson turned the club's fortunes around after his appointment in November of that year. These challenging periods starkly contrast the club's dominance during Ferguson's tenure and their historical reputation as one of England's elite clubs.
After a promising start with a derby win against Manchester City, United suffered four consecutive losses in December 2024, including defeats to Tottenham, Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle. Notably, Amorim has lost five of his first ten games in charge, a record that mirrors the club's struggles from 93 years ago under Walter Crickmer.
Additionally, United conceded 18 goals in December, the most in a single month since 1964. These results have intensified pressure on Amorim, with upcoming fixtures against top teams like Liverpool and Arsenal posing further challenges. Critics, including former United defender Gary Neville, highlighted issues in the team's midfield, particularly the pairing of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, both aged 32, suggesting they struggled to match Newcastle's pace.
Amorim's tactical decisions also came under scrutiny, notably the early substitution of Joshua Zirkzee after 33 minutes, which drew ironic cheers from the home crowd. Despite a slight improvement following the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo, United failed to mount a significant comeback. Amorim acknowledged that Newcastle outmatched United in physicality and intensity, particularly in the opening 20 minutes. This highlighted the need for his team to start matches with greater focus and energy.
The midfield selection was criticized for lacking the mobility to handle Newcastle’s dynamic midfield. Amorim stressed the importance of finding a better balance in midfield, possibly integrating younger, more athletic players like Kobbie Mainoo earlier in games. The decision to substitute Joshua Zirkzee after 33 minutes was meant to address tactical imbalances, but it drew criticism from fans. Amorim admitted the substitution could have been handled differently and emphasized the need for more proactive adjustments before kickoff.
United's defense has been a recurring issue, with 18 goals conceded in December alone. Amorim pointed to lapses in organization and communication, stressing the need for more disciplined defending and leadership at the back. The ironic cheers from fans underscored their growing frustration. Amorim expressed his understanding of the fans’ concerns and vowed to improve things with better performances.
Amorim has yet to find his preferred starting XI, but based on his history and style of play, many would love to see him utilize the following 3-4-3 starting XI.
Best XI under Ruben Amorim
Goalkeeper:
- Andre Onana: Reliable in distribution and suited to Amorim’s preference for a ball-playing goalkeeper.
Defenders (Back Three):
- Matthijs de Ligt: Offers experience and leadership in defense.
- Lisandro Martínez: Crucial for his aggression and ability to play out from the back.
- Harry Maguire: A composed ball-playing option to complete the back three.
Wing-Backs:
- Diogo Dalot (Right Wing-Back): Combines defensive awareness with attacking contributions.
- Noussair Mazraoui (Left Wing-Back): A dynamic presence on the left, equally effective in defense and attack.
Midfielders:
- Manuel Ugarte: A midfield anchor, providing defensive stability and leadership.
- Bruno Fernandes: Key playmaker and captain, driving creativity and goals from midfield.
Forwards (Front Three):
- Amad Diallo (Left Forward): A direct and pacey threat, Rashford is essential in stretching defenses.
- Rasmus Højlund (Center Forward): Provides physicality and a focal point for the attack.
- Marcus Rashford (Right Forward): Offers width, pace, guile and the ability to cut inside, complementing the front line.
Tactical Approach
Amorim emphasizes structured build-up play and quick transitions. His wing-backs create width, while the front three, supported by Bruno Fernandes, provides attacking versatility. The midfield's balance is key, with Ugarte shielding the defence and Fernandes driving forward. Whether Ruben Amorim is the right man to turn Manchester United's fortunes around is complex. It depends on several factors, including his long-term vision, tactical adaptability, and support from the club’s hierarchy.
With matches against Liverpool and Arsenal looming, Amorim emphasized the importance of mental resilience and collective effort to recover from this difficult spell. Amorim remains committed to his long-term vision but acknowledges the urgency of addressing immediate issues to stabilize the team.
Liverpool is in first place in the Premier League, holding an eight-point lead at the top. Their recent form has been impressive, with a 5-0 victory against West Ham United at the London Stadium. Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool has maintained a strong attacking presence, scoring 45 goals in 18 games this season. Mohamed Salah has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to the team's success. Liverpool's consistent performances have solidified their position as title contenders this season. The ball is in Liverpool’s favour, but one can expect an upset.
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