Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim described his team as potentially "the worst" in the club's 147-year history. In their recent five Premier League home games, Manchester United have lost four, including a 1-3 defeat to Brighton. Since Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in November, they have only managed 11 points in 11 league matches.
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02-07, 2025Manchester United currently sit 13th in the league table, 10 points clear of the relegation zone but seven points behind 10th-placed Fulham. "In the last 10 Premier League games, we have won two," said Amorim. "Imagine what that means to the Manchester United fans. Imagine what it means to me. We are bringing in a coach who is losing more than the last one. I am fully aware of that."
Amorim continued, "We are possibly the worst Manchester United team in history. I know you (the media) want headlines, but I am saying this because we have to acknowledge it and change it. There's your headline." Although Manchester United briefly equalized against Brighton, they were ultimately defeated, with Kaoru Mitoma putting the visitors ahead again, followed by a mistake from goalkeeper Andre Onana that led to Brighton's third goal.
Statistically, Amorim calling his team "possibly the worst" is somewhat of an exaggeration, but not by much. Only 13 Manchester United teams have had fewer points at this stage of the season, with the last time this occurred being in the 1986-87 season. Manchester United have already lost six Premier League home games this season, the most they have lost in their first 12 league home games of a season since 1893-94. Furthermore, they have conceded the first goal in each of their last five Premier League games at Old Trafford, their longest such run in the competition.
Manchester United have already lost 10 of their 22 Premier League games this season, making it the earliest they have reached double-digit losses since the 1989-90 season under Alex Ferguson. Manchester United have been relegated five times, most recently in 1974. While relegation this season is unlikely, Amorim did state last month that it was a "possibility". Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman described Amorim's comments as very bold, pointing out that the team's starting lineup cost £391 million, with five new signings costing £182 million.
Amorim had a lengthy conversation with legendary former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson before the game. Ferguson walked onto the pitch after attending a pre-match tribute to the late former Manchester United forward, Denis Law. Amorim stated in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live that Ferguson told him to "stay positive". As losses continue to mount, the future direction of Manchester United is increasingly under question. Amorim has stated he is not "naive" and understands the pressure he is under.
Although Amorim insists he will not change his 3-4-3 formation, which has brought him success in Portugal, he has acknowledged that the Manchester United players are struggling to adapt. He said: "I know it is difficult to bring in a completely new idea in the moment, but when you lose games and go three games without a win, it becomes very difficult. Everyone here is underperforming, and we have to accept that. Losing this many games is unacceptable."
Amorim also stated: "The opponents are doing better than us in a lot of details. We cannot be consistent, and I am not helping my players at the moment. You have to acknowledge that we are in a very difficult place, all the bad records, like losing at home, losing in the Premier League. I know we can be successful, but I am not naive. We need to get through this. But I will not change, no matter what."
It is clear that a large-scale rebuild is needed to make Manchester United competitive again, and many players will be moved on if the opportunity arises. Spanish side Real Betis are among a number of clubs trying to sign Brazilian winger Antony, the club's second most expensive player in history at £81.3 million. In addition, Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia is also reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League and other leagues. Midfielder Christian Eriksen and defender Victor Lindelof are expected to leave when their contracts expire in the summer.
If a suitable offer is made for 32-year-old midfielder Casemiro, who is Manchester United's highest earner on £375,000 per week, he will also be allowed to leave. Casemiro has not played a single minute since the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on December 30. Forward Marcus Rashford will also be leaving, with Amorim stating: "It is his choice. Rashford is out at the moment. I will not play players I don't believe are best for the team."
Manchester United have rejected interest from Napoli for Alejandro Garnacho, but other clubs, including Chelsea, are interested in the 20-year-old forward. The club has stated that they are not encouraging offers for saleable assets, which includes England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, but they do need to raise funds if Amorim is to bring in players that fit his system. Goalkeeper Andre Onana, after a good performance against Southampton, gifted Brighton their third goal after failing to hold onto a routine cross.
"Like the team, ups and downs," said Amorim when discussing Onana's performance, "really high and really low." If there is a positive to take, it is the imminent signing of 17-year-old Paraguayan defender Diego Leon. Leon's arrival could signal a renewed focus by the club on talented young players, rather than continuing to spend huge sums of money on players who are not performing, which is what has gotten the club into its current predicament.
