Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has backtracked on his recent comments suggesting his team might be the worst in the club's history, while acknowledging significant challenges facing the squad. The statement comes following United's disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Brighton.
During a press conference ahead of United's Europa League clash with Rangers, Amorim addressed the controversy surrounding his post-Brighton match comments, explaining that his emotional response was primarily directed at himself rather than his players. "I was talking more for myself than for my players," Amorim clarified. "But sometimes it is really hard to hide my frustration in that moment."
The manager admitted to breaking his usual protocol of not addressing players immediately after matches, suggesting this deviation may have contributed to his heightened emotions during the subsequent press conference. "Normally I don't talk after a game. After this game, I needed to talk. Maybe it was a mistake because then I got more nervous, went to the press conference really nervous and said things I shouldn't say."
Despite the clarification, Amorim stood firm on his assessment of the team's current struggles. The statistics support his concerns, with United having collected just 11 points and suffered six defeats in 11 Premier League games since his November appointment. The team's home form has been particularly concerning, with their six defeats in the opening 12 home league games marking their worst performance since 1893-94.
The manager and players appear to have different perspectives on the team's poor performance. While Amorim points to increasing anxiety during home games, defender Harry Maguire highlights the team's tendency to concede early goals. "If I could explain it, we'd change it straightaway," Maguire stated. "We have players who have won lots of trophies in club football but we are not playing well enough as a team."
In team news, Victor Lindelof has resumed training after missing seven matches, and Marcus Rashford has participated in the main session despite his absence since being dropped for the Manchester derby. Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to be available for selection, despite transfer speculation surrounding both players.
"I'm saying the obvious. If you want, I can be delusional and say different things. But I say it as I saw it," Amorim emphasized, maintaining his commitment to transparency about the team's current situation. "I think it is a good thing to be really honest. You saw one thing, I saw one thing. If you are in the stadium you can understand it. So let's face it and work on it."
